Each deeply hidden corrupt official has been caught, including many distinguished ministers.
Gu Jing was stern and impartial, showing no leniency.
During this ti, Li Shimin finally returned to the imperial court. He stood alone against all opposition, suppressing nurous impeachnt morials, demonstrating an unquestionable attitude to the ministers.
At this point—
All civil and military ministers understood: the Emperor’s days are numbered.
He is paving the way for the legacy he leaves behind.
This aging lion, while its power still remains, must clear the thorns for the successor and leave loyal ministers to assist.
Gu Jing’s prestige continued to soar.
His reputation in the military was already formidable.
After the battle of Goguryeo, Gu Jing was already known throughout the world.
Now, even within the halls of the court.
Only descendants of the Gu Clan could receive such treatnt, having an Emperor willfully build prestige for them.
Needless to say about other families, even the royal family might be wary.
But this is the Gu Clan.
What generations of people accumulated is sothing that no other family can compare to.
Even when Li Shimin first ascended the throne during Great Tang’s inception, there weren’t as many disturbances internally—this was the first ti during the Zhenguan era.
The entire Imperial Censorate was mobilized.
Officials were executed daily.
All ministers trembled with fear, terrified of being implicated in any charges.
And under such circumstances, the issue of Crown Prince finally surfaced.
Li Shimin consulted no ministers and directly issued an imperial edict.
Abolish Li Chengqian’s position as Crown Prince.
Demote Li Tai from Prince Wei to Liaodong Commandery King, with his fief being around the Goguryeo defense line. Li Shimin decided to relocate the civilians and integrate that area into Kyushu.
Established King Jin, Li Zhi, as Crown Prince.
—A shocking thunderbolt!
Even though the court was already in turmoil, ministers were aghast at this decree.
Yet none dared utter any words of dissent.
Even those who usually appeared fearless were sowhat apprehensive, while only so uninford scholars dared to discuss, thinking the matter was inappropriate.
After all, Li Chengqian was the eldest legitimate son.
But they could ultimately change nothing.
Within a few short months, all of Great Tang rapidly changed without causing any unrest.
...
At the foot of Jiuzong Mountain.
Li Chengqian did not ascend the mountain, only stood silently at its base.
This mountain range housed two people closest and most important to him:
Empress Zhangsun; Gu Quan.
At this mont, his eyes were slightly red, yet his expression was exceptionally resolute. Gu Lei stood silently beside him, his face also shrouded in a bit of lancholy.
The gentle breeze swept past, lifting their hair slightly, fluttering endlessly.
Li Chengqian remained silent for a long ti. When the tear stains on his cheeks gradually dried, he suddenly knelt down, performing the grand salute toward the majestic mountain range.
"Mother, sir..." Li Chengqian whispered softly, his lips curling into a contemptuous smile, "They are rely relying on the fact that you two are not here."
The smile deepened, yet his gaze beca more solemn.
"Though I may no longer be Crown Prince, without the chance to inherit the throne, I certainly will not tarnish your faces!"
Gu Jing was right.
Li Chengqian could not refuse this opportunity.
Even upon hearing this news, Li Chengqian felt the burden on his shoulders lighten, far more comfortable than when he was the so-called Crown Prince.
Li Shimin laid too deep and solid a foundation for Great Tang.
He wants to venture out and build achievent anew, one not reliant on anyone, created by his own hands.
Just like Li Shimin in those past years!.....
....
(Ps: Asking for support through monthly votes, this month’s updates have indeed softened, too many minor health issues, really no choice, but after recovery, will definitely resu updates thoroughly.)
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