bookrandom Chapter 657 Handover
Chapter 657 Handover
Incense curls up in the hall, lingering between the beams and pillars, adding a sense of sacredness to this solemn and dignified court.
When Li Chengqian's gaze fell on his three younger brothers, a hint of gentleness quietly emerged on his stern face.
"You all should step back. I will begin the court meeting now."
"Don't act recklessly later. Follow the rules. Do you hear me?"
"You are all grown up, and you should have known that the court is solemn and cannot tolerate any mistakes."
Li Chengqian's voice contained majesty, but it was also mixed with the concern of an elder brother for his younger brothers.
Upon hearing the emperor's words, the three princes straightened their postures instantly, their faces filled with respect. They bowed their hands in unison and responded in unison, "Yes, emperor!"
Then, the three of them retreated one after another.
After his three younger brothers left, Li Chengqian's straight back relaxed slightly. He took a deep breath and slowly glanced at the civil and military officials of the palace. Although he tried his best to remain calm, the vicissitudes of life could not be concealed in the depths of his eyes.
"My dear ministers, I believe you have all heard privately that my health is deteriorating and is no longer as good as before."
He paused briefly, as if calming his emotions, and continued, "For the past three months, the Crown Prince has been acting as Regent. It's not that I seek comfort or am unwilling to devote myself to this country, but simply that my body can no longer withstand the daily toil."
"Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it's already the seventeenth year of Qianwu."
"Thinking back to the first year of the Qianwu reign, many of you entered this court full of vigor and ambition. The youthful energy on your faces is still vivid in my mind. But now, in just seventeen short years, you can already call yourselves veteran ministers."
Li Chengqian's eyes flashed with emotion, as if he had returned to the past. His tone unconsciously slowed down, revealing a sigh, "I am already forty years old this year, in the prime of my life. I should have been making great achievements in this prosperous era and creating new glories. However, I didn't expect that my body would be so weak that it could no longer support me to continue to devote myself to state affairs as wholeheartedly as before."
After saying this, he slowly supported himself on the armrests of the dragon throne with both hands, trying to use the force to stand up. However, his movements were somewhat slow.
Zhang Xianhuai had been waiting on the side, his eyes fixed on His Majesty. Seeing this, he immediately took small steps forward and followed Li Chengqian closely.
Li Chengqian walked down the dragon platform step by step. Each step was steady and powerful, but people could vaguely feel his physical weakness.
He came to the court, facing all the civil and military officials. At this moment, his expression was as calm as water. He raised his hand, which hovered in the air for a moment, and then slowly pointed to the dragon throne that symbolized supreme power.
"I have been sitting there for seventeen years."
"For these seventeen years, I have worked tirelessly day and night, exhausting all my energy. For the people of this world, for this vast country, I have done everything I could."
"Fortunately, the world is now at peace, the people live and work in peace, and no one is left to starve or die. I can finally say that I have done my duty to this land and to the Emperor Taizong's instructions."
"I think it's time to live my own life and put down this heavy burden on my shoulders."
"The Queen unfortunately fell ill and passed away. She was trapped in this deep palace for so long, unable to fully appreciate the beauty of this world, unable to fully enjoy the joys of the world. Whenever I think of her, I feel an immense regret."
At this point, loneliness flashed in Li Chengqian's eyes, and that loneliness instantly enveloped his face, and his voice unconsciously became low. Every bit of his time with Su Zhi, those warm memories, turned into sadness at this moment, adding a bit of unspeakable grief to his expression.
"My dear friends, the throne was not what I longed for. I had no choice but to sit on this position."
"Although I am now in my prime, I have been feeling a lack of energy lately, and am often unable to handle government affairs."
"If it weren't for the devoted assistance of Grand Tutor Qi and other loyal ministers and generals in the court, I would have found it difficult to handle the complex and complicated government affairs."
"Therefore, I have discussed and considered repeatedly with the Grand Council, and from today on, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will officially serve as Regent."
"I can finally take a good rest and recuperate."
Although the Crown Prince had been regent for three months, the ministers could not help but sigh when His Majesty officially announced this decision.
In everyone's heart, they were reluctant to part with this emperor who had created the prosperous Qianwu era.
Is it true that this monarch, who once led the country to prosperity with his swift and decisive actions, will gradually retreat behind the scenes and usher in the era of the crown prince?
The Crown Prince's role as regent certainly brings new vigor, but His Royal Highness is young after all. He has little experience and knowledge in many complex court situations and people's livelihood affairs, so his considerations are naturally not as comprehensive and far-sighted as His Majesty's.
But there were also many officials in the court who secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Your Majesty is extremely strict with officials on a daily basis. Any mistake will be severely punished and their actions will be restricted in every way.
After His Royal Highness the Crown Prince takes over as regent, his control over the Imperial Guard is expected to be greatly weakened. This way, the Imperial Guard will not keep such a close eye on officials as before, and will be able to act much more freely in the future.
"Your Majesty, I dare to ask you, how long do you intend to let His Royal Highness the Crown Prince remain as regent?"
Li Wei took a step forward with a worried look on his face, clasped his hands together and raised them high. The posture of clasping fists was extremely solemn. He looked at Li Chengqian eagerly, his eyes full of worry about the future of the country.
After hearing Li Wei's words, the ministers finally woke up from their dream.
Yes, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is currently only the regent and has not officially ascended the throne as emperor.
If there is still a possibility that His Majesty will take the throne again, then the length of time that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will serve as regent becomes a key issue concerning the direction of the court. This is not only a matter of time, but also an important turning point in the transfer of power.
When Li Chengqian heard Li Wei's question, he frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.
His mind quickly flashed through the seventeen years of his reign, those thrilling decisions, those brilliant achievements, all appeared before him one by one.
Then, he thought about the Crown Prince's growth and the situation in the court. After careful consideration, he slowly said, "Then let's set it at two years."
"After two years, we will make a decision based on the prince's growth."
After saying that, he turned his gaze to Li Jingyou.
"Come on, You'er, come forward."
When Li Jingyou heard Li Chengqian's call, his heart trembled suddenly, and he felt nervous and excited.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his pounding heart and trying to calm himself down.
He walked slowly up to Li Chengqian step by step.
Li Chengqian raised his hand, which was broad and warm, and gently patted Li Jingyou's shoulder. He said with emotion: "Good boy, you have grown up now. It is time for you to shoulder the heavy responsibility of your family and country."
After saying that, he bent down slightly, gently took Li Jingyou's hand, and led him slowly up the dragon platform step by step, walking towards the dragon throne.