Chapter 269: Li Chengqian ascends the throne, power changes
Li Zhi did choose to surrender sincerely, and the entire surrender process went smoothly without any unexpected situations or twists and turns.

Afterwards, the imperial court issued an edict to inform the world that all military and political departments across the country would be taken over and managed by the generals led by Li Chengqian. In this way, the handover of military and political affairs was completed smoothly.

Two months later, Li Chengqian led the army to officially enter Chang’an City.

This historic moment was also celebrated in the magnificent and solemn Tai Chi Hall.

Li Zhi was seen holding an exquisite jade plate steadily in his hand, and on the jade plate was placed an imperial seal that symbolized supreme power.

Under the gaze of many officials, Li Zhi walked slowly down the stairs with steady steps.

“In compliance with the will of Heaven and the people, Your Highness the Crown Prince, please inherit the throne!” Li Zhi spoke in a loud voice, holding the jade plate high in both hands, his face full of piety.

Immediately afterwards, shouts of “Please let the Crown Prince succeed the throne!” rang out in the Taiji Hall, and all the officials present bowed and shouted in unison.

Facing this situation, Li Chengqian took a deep breath and said loudly: “It is both the will of heaven and the will of the people. I really can’t refuse it!”

Before this, he had already performed three acts of humility in accordance with etiquette, and this was the third time.

All the ritual processes that should be followed have now been successfully completed.

The first concession was made outside Zezhou City.

The second time I gave way was when I just stepped into Chang’an City.

Now, this time he was conferred the title in the Taiji Hall.

“Pay homage to His Majesty!”

As Li Zhi bowed deeply, it seemed as if time froze at this moment, and everyone’s eyes were focused on him.

This bow not only represents etiquette, but also symbolizes the complete transfer of supreme power.

“Greetings to Your Majesty!”

The powerful and orderly shouts burst out from the magnificent Tai Chi Hall, like thunder and deafening.

At this moment, the fully armed soldiers on the stairs also knelt down slowly in unison, their movements as if they were well-trained precision machines.

In the blink of an eye, they formed into a continuous group like a tide, and at a glance, the entire palace was filled with people kneeling on the ground.

With trembling hands, Li Chengqian took the imperial seal respectfully presented to him by the eunuch.

This moment is like a dream.

Once upon a time, he was just an insignificant loser, but in the desperate situation where he was sure to die, he managed to fight back and ascended to the throne of the supreme ruler.

Thousands of words cannot express it fully.

Li Chengqian took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner agitation, then slowly lowered his gaze and said majestically: “Everyone, please stand up!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

All the ministers responded in unison, and then stood up one after another, but they still looked straight ahead, and they didn’t even dare to breathe, for fear of accidentally angering the emperor.

After all, Li Chengqian, who is sitting on the throne at this moment, has become the master of the Tang Dynasty and holds the power of life and death.

“I was able to ascend the throne smoothly thanks to the concerted efforts and support of all of you, my dear ministers. I will definitely reward those who have made great contributions according to their merits and will never treat them unfairly!”

Li Chengqian’s eyes swept over everyone present in turn, his eyes firm and full of majesty.

When all the officials heard this, their breathing suddenly stopped. The most critical moment had arrived.

One emperor and one courtier.

After the new emperor ascends the throne, there will inevitably be a reshuffle of power in the court. Who will continue to rise and who will fade into obscurity or even end up in prison, all depends on the decision of the new emperor today.

“Li Zhi was ordered to take charge of the country in times of crisis and turmoil. He eliminated the treacherous officials in the court, redressed my injustice, and made it public for the world. He was what the people of the world wanted and returned power to me. He should be the first meritorious minister.”

“He is specially appointed as the regent. His orders are as mine, and he has the power to command all political and military affairs of the country.”

Li Zhi was stunned. Is this a test for us?
I have given up all my imperial power, and you are testing me with this?

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Li Zhi also reacted quickly and immediately bowed to express his gratitude.

“But, I have no interest in government affairs, and I have no ability to do so. I just want to be an idle wanderer. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this.”

Li Zhi would not dare to take up such a sensitive position. It sounded like this power meant that he and Li Chengqian would rule the world together.

“Your Majesty, please do it!”

Seeing that Li Chengqian didn’t speak for a long time, Li Zhi immediately knelt down.

He was very worried that Li Chengqian would find an opportunity to attack him later.

“No, Li Zhi will take over the position of regent from today and supervise the whole country.”

Li Chengqian refused directly.

How could this person be incapable?
In a very short period of time, he was able to take control of the court, demonstrate iron-blooded methods, suppress dissenting voices, and complete centralization of power.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Li Zhi was no match for the powerful, and accepted the position of regent with lingering fear.

“Li Zhen and Cheng Chumo were loyal and courageous. They defeated Baekje and destroyed Goguryeo, and they had the merit of destroying the country. Li Zhen was specially named Duke of Loyalty and Cheng Chumo was named Duke of Righteousness.”

It’s time for brothers outside the clan to become sworn brothers.

Along the way, they have taken the first step in Li Chengqian’s action.

“Li Dejian was ordered to deliver a message to the late emperor in times of crisis, stating my grievances, enduring humiliation and eliminating treacherous officials. He has made an unparalleled contribution and is specially named Duke of Yongguo.”

Li Dejian also played a crucial role in delivering letters to Li Chengqian.

Otherwise, if you were banned by Li Shimin, the consequences would be terrible.

More importantly, Li Dejian was Li Chengqian’s eye in Chang’an, and a lot of information about bad people came from him.

Considering the brotherhood, it is not too much to confer the title of Duke. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!”

The three of them came out together, and they were very satisfied with this. After all, they were granted the title of Duke because of their merits.

Having two dukes in one family is a great honor.

Moreover, they are still very young.

“Su Dingfang has made great contributions in defeating the enemy and managing the army well, so he is specially appointed as Zuo Pushe to supervise the troops of the whole country.”

“Liu Rengui led the army to destroy Goguryeo and suppress the Japanese pirates. He has made achievements in local governance. He will be the Right Prime Minister and assist me in handling government affairs.”

I have both left and right arms.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Su Dingfang and Liu Rengui came out one after another to express their gratitude.

Su Dingfang was very surprised. He felt lucky not to have been demoted. How could he be appointed to such an important position?

Could it be that Li Chengqian trusts me so much?
Moreover, before that, he was a supporter of Li Zhi.

He was the left servant and Li Zhi was the regent.

Even if it’s rebellion, it’s all allowed.

This is probably too much flattery.

Su Dingfang had the same concerns as Li Zhi.

Of course, Li Chengqian was not worried either.

Although they can all command armies, the Shenjiying is an exception.

Li Chengqian naturally didn’t care what they thought and continued to reward them.

Pei Xingjian, Heichi Changzhi, Xue Rengui, Lou Shide, Wang Fangyi and others were also appointed and became high-ranking officials.

There is no need to doubt the loyalty of these people, they are all loyal to the Tang Dynasty.

Li Chengqian did not give important tasks to people like Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu who had committed bad deeds.

Now his team is not short of talented people who can become generals or ministers.

Liu Rengui, Pei Xingjian, Lou Shide and others were all talented people.

It will last him a long time.

The rewarding process took most of the day.

This is a redistribution of power, so naturally we cannot be careless at all.

“The situation in the Tang Dynasty has just been settled, and the border areas are still unstable. The generals will take up their posts immediately after receiving the order.”

After the rewards were distributed, Li Chengqian gave further instructions.

“Yes, I will obey your order!”

Heichi Changzhi, Pei Xingjian and Lou Shide bowed.

Pei Xingjian was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Longyou Road, in charge of the military affairs of the Longyou Road.

Longyou Road was the northwestern frontier of the Tang Dynasty, leading to the Hexi Corridor and connecting to the countries in the Western Regions.

Li Chengqian made this appointment in order to use the momentum of history to allow Pei Xingjian to complete his legend in this area.

Heichi Changzhi was the commander-in-chief of the Jiannan Road troops, and was responsible for handling the tense relations between China and Tubo. Heichi Changzhi was also very effective in dealing with Tubo.

Lou Shide was in charge of Shannan West Road, providing support to Heichi Changzhi and Pei Xingjian. Lou Shide’s greatest strength was military farming.

Goguryeo in the east has been dealt with and there are no more hidden dangers.

The threats facing the Tang Dynasty now mainly come from Tibet and Western Turks in the northwest.

Therefore, Li Chengqian also took the lead in deploying heavy troops here.

This battle will start sooner or later.

“The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty has issued an order that no land transactions are allowed in the territory of the Tang Dynasty. All land is state-owned. If anyone is found guilty, he will be charged with treason, and everyone from ministers to common people will be severely punished.”

When Li Chengqian was in power, the policy of equalizing the land tax undoubtedly became the first national policy.

This is also the most fundamental policy. As long as the land policy does not collapse, the dynasty will not fall.

Every major disturbance was mostly caused by land ownership.

“Also, send envoys to various countries and ask them to send envoys to participate in the Spring Festival next year. If the envoys fail to arrive, I will personally lead the troops to arrive.”

Suddenly, Li Chengqian’s gaze became extremely compelling, and his imperial power was overwhelming, showing incomparable strength.

“Report if you have something to report, otherwise leave the court!”

Then, Li Chengqian waved his hand.

“I have something to report!”

At this time, Liu Rengui stood up.

He has now become the head of all officials, and there are some matters that require him to express his views.

“The world is now settled, and the people are united. I ask Your Majesty to enthrone the Queen and appoint a new Crown Prince, so that the country can be at peace.”

The Crown Prince and the Queen, to a large extent, are also important factors in promoting overall stability.

“Your Majesty, please appoint a queen and a crown prince!”

The ministers then also made the appeal.

(End of this chapter)