bookrandom Chapter 528 I’ve been there!
Chapter 528 I’ve been there!
Zhang Xianhuai's words were still echoing in the air. Li Chengqian frowned slightly, his expression solemn. He took a deep breath and strode towards the door.
When passing by Zhang Xianhuai, he turned slightly sideways, raised his broad palm, and patted Zhang Xianhuai's shoulder lightly. The power transmitted from his palm made Zhang Xianhuai's heart tremble.
Then, Li Chengqian lowered his voice and said word by word, "Follow."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Zhang Xianhuai straightened his back and hurriedly followed Li Chengqian in small steps.
When Li Chengqian brought Zhang Xianhuai to the gate of Taiji Hall, the ministers who had been waiting there took action instantly.
Everyone bowed their heads in unison, leaned forward, and lowered their heads to welcome their emperor.
Many ministers were overwhelmed with emotion, their eyes red and tears welling up in their eyes. They shouted with deep sobs, "Long live His Majesty!"
Li Chengqian looked at the ministers kneeling on the ground, his face expressionless, like a cold iceberg.
He opened his thin lips slightly and shouted coldly: "Everyone, stand up!"
This shout was extremely penetrating.
However, after the shout, none of the ministers stood up.
Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes slightly, and his deep eyes swept sharply over the ministers below.
He frowned slightly, his tone getting more serious, and he said again: "My dear ministers, I have said that the people should not kneel before the officials, but I have also said that you should not kneel before me."
"Our Tang Dynasty is a prosperous country. We don't need anyone to kneel down and grovel."
"Everyone, live your life with your backs straightened. We are all human beings, with one head on two shoulders. What's the difference?"
"I say again, stand up! No kneeling allowed! Everyone, stand up and speak to me!"
Seeing that everyone was still hesitant, Li Chengqian's face grew even colder, his eyes revealing a hint of intimidation: "Why, are you still going to force me to kneel down and return the gift?"
"Everyone, stand up!"
These words have a hint of threat, but they also make people feel his persistent adherence to the concept of equality between the monarch and his subjects.
His eyes swept over each minister, as if waiting for their response.
After hearing what Li Chengqian said, no one dared to kneel on the ground anymore.
Making the emperor kneel down to return the gift was something that none of the ministers dared to imagine.
Your Majesty is the God of the Tang Dynasty and is respected by all people. How can you kneel down and worship these officials?
Wouldn’t that be a huge event like the sky falling and the earth collapsing?
Those who know His Majesty know that he has always been stubborn. What he says is like nails nailed to an iron plate, and he has never gone back on his word.
Finally, seeing that all the ministers had stood up one after another, a smile gradually appeared on Li Chengqian's originally stern face. That smile was like the warm spring sun, instantly dispelling the chill in the air.
He nodded slightly and said softly, "Okay, all is well."
There was a hint of relief in his tone, as if he saw hope for the future of the Tang Dynasty.
Then, he turned to look at Zhang Xianhuai, his eyes gentle as he instructed, "Xianhuai, go, have someone bring some cushions, one for each of us. Today, we, the ruler and our subjects of the Tang Dynasty, will sit outside the Taiji Hall, setting aside the constraints of our status and having a good chat. Let's discuss the recent issue of the common good, and the rifts between us, whether deep or shallow."
After saying this, he turned his gaze towards the officials present and said in a gentle voice, "My dear ministers, there is no need to be restrained today. Just speak freely. Just treat it as an ordinary gathering of old friends, chatting."
His voice was full of sincerity, and he hoped to use this opportunity to narrow the distance between him and his ministers.
After a while, as the guards brought soft cushions one by one, Li Chengqian also picked up a cushion himself, spread it on the ground with skillful movements, and then sat down. His posture was casual and natural, completely devoid of his usual arrogance.
Upon seeing this, all the officials sat down in an orderly manner around Li Chengqian according to their rank.
Although they still looked a little reserved, they gradually relaxed under the inspiration of His Majesty.
Li Chengqian looked at the civil and military officials around him, feeling relieved, and the smile on his face became more gentle.
"My dear ministers, today, I am speaking the truth to you. I am extremely happy today. I have read every word of the memorial submitted by the Ministry of Rites. You have all sent your children to the Ministry of Rites."
"This is the happiest day since I became emperor."
He paused briefly, his eyes sweeping over the crowd sincerely, a look of deep emotion in them. He continued, "I originally thought that you were all officials who only cared about yourselves, regardless of the empire and the people. But today, your actions have completely changed my opinion of you. Take the extra children home, one for each family."
"With more people, the court will have to increase its expenses accordingly. Isn't this going to make things difficult for our Minister of Revenue?"
As he spoke, Li Chengqian looked at Li Wei with a smile on his face.
His eyes were full of recognition, expressing his deep respect for Li Wei.
Upon seeing this, Li Wei immediately bowed his hands in a crisp and respectful gesture. "Your Majesty, your words are too kind. Serving the Tang Dynasty and sharing your worries is my duty. I have no choice but to do so!"
His voice was firm.
Li Chengqian nodded and said solemnly, "Minister Li, I should bow to you!"
As he spoke, Li Chengqian stood up and bowed to Li Wei, showing his respect for Li Wei.
Before Li Wei could react, Li Chengqian quickly walked up to him, stretched out his hand and pressed his shoulder. His palm was broad and warm, conveying silent strength.
Li Wei's face was filled with fear, his body trembling slightly. He wanted to struggle but dared not. He just kept muttering, "Your Majesty, how dare I accept such a great gift? How can I bear it?"
His face was filled with uneasiness, and he obviously had not expected that His Majesty would think so highly of him.
Li Chengqian patted Li Wei's shoulder, signaling him not to be so nervous. Then he looked at the ministers present and said slowly, "My dear ministers, everyone doesn't know, right?"
"Let me tell you why I perform this ceremony for Minister Li."
"Ever since I proposed the idea of the world being for all, many of you have objected. Throughout the court, voices of doubt and opposition have risen one after another. Only Minister Li has stood firmly by my side, supporting me without reservation."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if lost in reminiscence. His eyes held both nostalgia for the past and gratitude towards Li Wei. "You all don't interact much with Minister Li, do you? You haven't been to his residence, have you?"
"I tell you, I've been to his house, and more than once!"
"Do you know what Minister Li's home looks like?"