This time, the parade through Tianjie sent a signal to Chang'an that the monarch was in harmony.

Soon after, word spread in Chang'an that the relationship between Li Longji and Li Xuan was like that between King Wen of Zhou and Lu Shang, and Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong.

The sage was old and had become ill from overwork, so he needed to take care of his remaining years, and therefore entrusted all military and political affairs to Li Xuan.

After Li Xuan returned to Chang'an, some people felt complicated.

For example, Du Fu, who was a Confucian official, found it difficult to accept such behavior because of the ideas he had been exposed to since childhood.

Although he kept writing poems to satirize Li Longji, he hoped more that the country would become strong again and the people would live and work in peace and contentment like they did in the Kaiyuan period.

Li Xuan might be able to do it, but his original intention was far from Du Fu's.

However, Du Fu still hoped that no matter what, Li Xuan could still be the same as before.

Du Fu was fascinated by the blueprint described by Li Xuan.

The king is light and the people are heavy. These are just a few simple words. Any ruler who can do this is the ruler of heaven.

In the national situation where "the war has been going on for three months, and a letter from home is worth ten thousand pieces of gold", Du Fu fled from Luoyang to Chang'an with his family. In this year, his poetry was sublimated again.

Du Fu's rhyme also officially appeared on the stage of history.

Other officials such as Wei Jiansu, Pei Zunqing, Zhang Hao, etc. were promoted by Li Xuan.

But they were not very happy when they saw Li Xuan in power.

They are confused, not about their own future, but about the future of the Tang Dynasty.

There were also some scholars who had experienced the Kaiyuan Prosperity, as well as literati from aristocratic families, who gathered together to complain intentionally or unintentionally.

It is impossible for a ruler to satisfy everyone, and he will have many opponents and political enemies.

When Li Xuan seeks benefits for one group of people, he will offend the interests of another group of people and be criticized.

Human nature is like this. Various concepts and contradictions will always make people have double standards, and Li Xuan is the same.

Li Xuan could only help the majority of ordinary people and compensate the interests of the aristocratic families, merchants, and the various Hu people as much as possible.

In Chang'an City, there were only some confused scholars.

Some scholars also sensed the changes in the environment and sought opportunities to advance themselves.

They felt that Li Xuan would definitely establish a new imperial examination system, and based on the contents of the imperial examinations from the sixth to the ninth year of Tianbao, they thought about how to improve the new Changping system.

Even the One Whip System and Performance Evaluation System, which had not yet been implemented, were under their consideration.

If Li Xuan really came to power, he would definitely enforce the new law forcefully, just like the poem he wrote when he was dismissed from his post and left Chang'an: "Wildfires cannot burn it all, it will grow again with the spring breeze."

Li Xuan was not as indecisive and complacent as Li Longji, and his knife was stained with the blood of the powerful.

"Saint, from now on you will temporarily live in the Ganlu Hall of Taiji Palace."

After entering the Suzaku Gate, Li Xuan said to Li Longji.

The "Southern Inner" is the Xingqing Palace, and the "Western Inner" is the Taiji Palace.

Today, Xingqing Palace is undoubtedly the political center, representing the mark of Li Longji's nearly fifty years of rule.

Xingqingfang, where Xingqing Palace is located, was originally just one of the 108 fangs in Chang'an. However, because it was the former residence of Li Longji, it was expanded step by step.

Li Xuan planned to hold many future grand ceremonies in Taiji Hall of Taiji Palace, which would make it convenient for Li Longji to go there.

"I don't want to live in Ganlu Palace anymore. I want to go back to Xingqing Palace."

Li Longji was unwilling.

There are many beautiful memories in Xingqing Palace, unlike Taiji Palace, which has more unbearable memories.

What's more, her lady Yuhuan was in Taizhen Temple, which was only one corridor away from Xingqing Palace, so she might be able to see him secretly in Xingqing Palace.

"The scenery of Ganlu Palace is more suitable. Taiji Palace is the main palace of the imperial city of our Tang Dynasty. The emperor should live in it."

Li Xuan replied to Li Longji.

"No, I want to return to Xingqing Palace to live."

Li Longji acted very tough and his voice was so loud that the civil and military officials behind the dragon chariot could hear it. They looked at each other in bewilderment for a moment.

"Since Your Majesty wants to live in Xingqing Palace, I will not stop you. Just live in Xingqing Palace!"

Li Xuan thought about it and decided to agree with Li Longji.

No matter where Li Longji was, he would be guarded by the Tiance Guards, and even the palace maids and eunuchs would be selected by Li Xuan.

Li Xuan had not yet come to power, so it was inappropriate for him to directly stop Li Longji.

He could guess some of Li Longji's thoughts. It was impossible for Li Longji to meet Yang Yuhuan in Xingqing Palace.

Seeing Li Xuan surrender, Li Longji raised his eyebrows and his expression eased a little.

This was the first time he felt so happy in all these days.

From the Jiacheng between Taiji Palace and Xingqing Palace, Li Xuan took Li Longji back to Xingqing Palace.

Li Xuan had asked Luo Xing to rearrange the guards of Xingqing Palace.

None of the original imperial guards or guards are needed anymore.

All entrances and guard posts of Xingqing Palace are manned by the Tiance Guards.

There are a total of one thousand Tiance Guards, working in shifts day and night.

Any civil or military minister who wanted to meet Li Longji had to get permission from Li Xuan.

In addition, Li Xuan also arranged Li Longji's concubines, sons, daughters, and grandsons in Xingqing Palace.

The original Sixteen Kings' Residence and Baisun Courtyard were vacated to do other things.

It also allowed Li Longji to have a large house with many children and grandchildren, and he seemed to be enjoying his retirement.

Li Xuan also ordered the selection of 500 palace maids and eunuchs to maintain the daily affairs of Xingqing Palace.

The rest of the dining room, carriages, music masters, etc., remained the same as usual, but they were all replaced by Li Xuan's people.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs became a mere name without substance. Although there were still eunuchs such as Gao Lishi who were close to Li Longji, they no longer had any power.

Their words became insignificant.

All orchards, manors and fields around Chang'an, as long as they belonged to eunuchs, would be confiscated by the court.

Li Xuan also appointed Liu Shan as Zhongshu Sheren and Hanlin Academician, and established an institution to serve Li Longji.

If Li Longji had any requests, he would inform Li Xuan through officials such as Liu Shan.

His speech and personal freedom were controlled by Li Xuan, but everything was nominally running as usual.

It seems that Li Longji was not completely imprisoned by Li Xuan.

That night, as soon as Li Longji returned to the Nanxun Palace where he usually lived, he could clearly feel something different.

He has lost too much.

Now even the palace maids and eunuchs around him are Li Xuan's spies. Li Longji guessed this scenario after the Maweiyi coup.

He fought for the opportunity to enter Xingqing Palace.

He originally still had some interest, but that night he tossed and turned and couldn't sleep.

The concubines who served him did not show him any tenderness.

Instead of looking at them, it is better to go and see the lotus flowers blooming in the Dragon Pond.

The charm of the lotus emerging from the water reminded him of Yang Yuhuan.

Late at night, Li Longji got up from the couch again. He quietly told Gao Lishi to take the token and go to Taizhen Temple to see Yang Yuhuan to express his love for her.

Although it was late at night, the road leading to Taizhen Temple was still guarded by the Tiance Guards, and Gao Lishi was unable to get close.

Li Longji could only sigh helplessly.

In Taizhen Temple, Yang Yuhuan wore plain clothes, no makeup, and no hair accessories on her head. She also sat under the moon in a daze.

She finally took a carriage into Chang'an, and amid the cheers and applause, she heard something unusual.

However, she did not walk through Zhuque Street, but was taken directly to Taizhen Temple.

This was originally a "non-existent" Taoist temple. When Yang Yuhuan entered again, it was overgrown with weeds and the hibiscus in the pond was in disarray.

Li Xuan asked Princess Yuzhen to send a dozen female Taoist priests to practice Taoism with Yang Yuhuan in Taizhen Temple. While teaching Yang Yuhuan Taoism, they also presided over the daily affairs of Taizhen Temple.

Yang Yuhuan could learn news from other female Taoist priests, but she could not spread the news.

She couldn't calm down. Besides all the old thoughts, she was even more afraid of the news about Lady Guo and Lady Han.

She also wanted to know Li Longji's situation.

Because she understood Li Longji.

Yang Yuhuan thought she knew Li Xuan very well, but now she realized that she knew nothing about Li Xuan.

Li Xuan's deception also broke her heart.

At this moment, Yang Yuhuan looked at the bright moon in the sky and recalled the line "It's cold at high places" from Li Xuan's "Water Melody".

Perhaps, that is what Li Xuan is pursuing.

That night, Li Xuan stayed in the Tianshui Palace, reading by lamplight until late at night before going to bed.

When he arrived in Chang'an, it was already late and he did not summon any civil or military officials.

Just waiting for tomorrow's ceremony.

He has asked the supervisor of ceremonies to notify all civil and military officials to enter the Taiji Hall tomorrow according to the ritual system.

All ninth-rank officials in the capital are required to attend the ceremony.

"Cuckoo..."

At dawn, roosters crowed and the sky turned pale.

Li Longji, who had not slept all night, was told by Liu Dan to attend the Taiji Palace ceremony.

At the same time, an imperial edict was handed to Li Longji.

Li Longji opened the imperial edict directly and his face turned even paler.

He was mentally prepared and only took a quick look at the imperial edict before handing it to Gao Lishi.

It will be read out by Gao Lishi at that time.

Wearing a yellow robe and a crown to attend the ceremony, the throne, which symbolizes power, seems to have become insignificant. More than 40 years ago, he was the emperor.

Looking back at the past glory, time flies by like the back of your hand.

"Saint, please get in the car and go to Taiji Hall. King Tianshui and his civil and military officials are already there waiting for your arrival!"

Liu Shan reminded Li Longji.

He is loyal to Li Xuan.

After passing the imperial examination, he joined the army and never expected that he would end up like this today.

Li Xuan made him the Secretary of the Central Secretariat and a Hanlin scholar. In name, he was Li Longji's confidential clerk, but in fact he was responsible for monitoring Li Longji, including his daily life and meals.

It seems that he has stepped out of the center of power, but since such an important position has been handed over to him, he will surely be rich and prosperous in the future.

The edict conferring the title of king was written by Liu Shan. It had been completed as early as in Xianyang and reviewed by Li Xuan.

"Li Qilang is no longer the King of Tianshui. Wait until he becomes the King of Qin before you can address him by his title!"

The tired Li Longji was in a bad mood and scolded Liu Shan.

"According to the order!"

Liu Shan agreed respectfully.

He had already figured out how to get along with Li Longji.

It is inevitable to be scolded and criticized, but some complaints can just go in one ear and out the other, there is no need to take them seriously.

If he was forced to do something that went against Li Xuan's instructions, he would definitely not listen.

He would report important matters to Li Xuan, and Li Xuan would make the decision.

When Li Longji saw Liu Dan's expression, he retracted what he was about to say.

He mounted the dragon chariot, and under the protection of ceremonial guards and a canopy, passed through the Jiacheng, entered the imperial city, and drove towards the Taiji Hall.

At this time, all the civil and military officials lined up in an orderly manner, entered from Chengtian Gate, the main gate of Taiji Palace, passed through Jiade Gate and Taiji Gate, and came to the steps in front of Taiji Hall.

At this time, the square of Taiji Hall was neat and solemn.

The Tiance Guards wore brand new Tang Dynasty Ming Guang armor, held ceremonial weapons, and stood on both sides.

Behind the Tiance Guard were thousands of palace maids and eunuchs.

The flags are flying and the canopy is like clouds.

Although it was a temporary organization, the sense of ceremony of the ceremony had been prepared countless times.

Civil and military officials, dressed in court robes of various colors and holding tablets in their hands, lined up under the palace, creating a magnificent scene.

But their expressions were not as solemn as when they were attending a ceremony, and their eyes were also intriguing.

The positions of all officials are also very vague.

Although Chen Xilie was still the left prime minister, he was timid and no one regarded him as the prime minister anymore.

It was fortunate that Li Xuan did not parade him through the streets like he did to Yang Guozhong.

He now just wants to get rid of this hot potato.

As a result, Chen Xilie, as the prime minister, had no position to lead the civil and military officials, and stood side by side with a dozen purple-robed ministers in front of him.

That man has not appeared yet, who dares to stand at the forefront of the civil and military officials?

"What kind of ceremony will this be?"

While Li Xuan was not there, some officials could not help but whisper.

"What else could it be? A ceremony to appoint him as prime minister and confer him with honors."

An official replied.

"The Saint is already under Li Qilang's protection. Isn't it just a matter of his words to declare himself a saint?"

"It's not that simple. In the past, Yang Jian appointed himself as the Prime Minister to lead the government. What can a Prime Minister do?"

Some officials felt that Li Xuan's ambitions were too great to be understood.

Some officials and ministers even thought that these talks were meaningless. No matter what the ceremony was about, it could not change Li Xuan's control over the military and political power of the Tang Dynasty.

The actual power is firmly held, and the nominal official position is just the icing on the cake.

It is not easy for these civil and military ministers to restore the power of the clan.

It would not be appropriate for Li Xuan to launch the Shenlong coup d'état like Zhang Jianzhi did to drive Wu Zetian out of power.

Because there were no more cavalry or flying cavalry in Jingzhao area.

Li Xuan was born a military general and had greater influence in the army.

Unless Li Xuan dies suddenly, or his rule causes public outrage and public disapproval, Dazong will have a chance to regain control of power.

When it was almost noon, Li Xuan, wearing a purple official robe, entered from Chengtian Gate under the protection of armored guards. He even entered the forbidden area, and wherever he passed, the Tiance Guards on both sides straightened their backs.

The palace maids and eunuchs all set their eyes on Li Xuan.

When Li Xuan arrived at the high platform of the Taiji Hall, the civil and military officials who had been whispering just now suddenly dared not say a word.

Li Xuan seemed to have become the only one for His Majesty Taiji.

He took on the responsibility without hesitation and walked step by step to the front of all the civil and military officials.

Just when everyone thought Li Xuan would stop, Li Xuan climbed up the stairs again and reached the high platform of the Taiji Hall.

Normally, during grand ceremonies, only the crown prince could go up on the platform with Li Longji.

After a dozen breaths, Li Xuan arrived at the front stage of the hall and looked at the civil and military officials below without saying a word.

The heartbeats of all the civil and military officials quickened unconsciously.

From today onwards, the government is in chaos, and who can still hold a high position is a matter of Li Xuan's words.

Only those ministers who had a connection with Li Xuan and believed in Li Xuan were overwhelmed with emotion.

"Dang Dang Dang..."

The hour of Chen had arrived, and the bells in front of the Yanming Gate rang.

The stirring sound of the bell made the civil and military officials feel even more depressed.

"Your Majesty has arrived..."

The celebrant shouted.

Li Longji had already arrived at the Zhuming Gate behind the Taiji Hall and walked into the Taiji Hall.

Having not been here for several years, he looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar Tai Chi Hall. The whole hall was magnificent, as if there were thousands of rays of light, demonstrating the glory of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Vaguely, Li Longji dreamed back to thirty years ago, when he was holding a court meeting in the Taiji Hall, and all the officials bowed their heads and listened respectfully.

It was a moment worth reminiscing and obsessing over.

Li Longji was awakened by the shout of the chief ceremonial officer. Under the protection of the female officials and the support of the eunuchs, he staggered out of the hall and came to the high platform outside the hall.

There were thousands of ministers, eunuchs, palace maids, and imperial guards below the stage, but he could no longer feel his own majesty.

Especially Li Xuan actually appeared on the platform with him.

"Meet Your Majesty..."

After Li Xuan bowed to Li Longji, all the civil and military officials bowed together.

"Everyone is safe!"

Li Longji regained some of his authority and signaled all civil and military officials to excuse themselves from the formalities.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Today's grand ceremony is a ceremony to crown a king and appoint a prime minister. An Lushan's rebellion has caused unrest in China. We should promote capable officials to restore the country..."

Li Longji expressed the meaning of this ceremony without any emotion.

That wasn't what he wanted to say.

But things have come to this point. If he doesn't do as Li Xuan asks, Li Xuan will definitely be dissatisfied.

Li Longji was worried that Li Xuan would use despicable means to deal with him.

He doesn't want to die!

"Li Shi, read the imperial edict!"

After a speech on the situation, Li Longji handed over the rest of the matters to Gao Lishi.

He just wanted to quickly complete the reward for Li Xuan and return to Xingqing Palace.

Last night he was missing her, now he was too tired, exhausted, and needed a good sleep.

After Li Longji finished his speech, the civil and military officials below frowned.

They stared at Gao Lishi as he walked towards the edge of the platform.

Although Gao Lishi was old, he was full of energy. He unfolded the edict and read it out solemnly:

"I have received the mandate of heaven and rule over all nations. I have worked hard day and night and have been thirsty for talents. Now the treacherous ministers are rebelling and the country is in danger. We have lost Luoyang. The people are in urgent need of wise and capable people to help them. The safety of the country depends on loyal ministers. Li Xuan is both civil and military, and he cares about the people and has made great contributions... For ten years, he has been outspoken and courageous, and has been loyal to the country. His words and deeds are role models for everyone. He has been conscientious in military and political affairs, fulfilled his duties, handled matters fairly, and made wise decisions. His ability and achievements are obvious to all, and he can be a role model for all officials..."

"Li Xuan is specially appointed as the General of Heavenly Strategy, the Minister of the Chancellery, and the Grand Marshal of the Army of the World. He is granted the title of Grand Master of the Three Departments, the title of Grand Pillar of the State, and the title of King of Qin, with the actual title of 10,000 households..."

When Gao Lishi read the appointment of Li Xuan, he spoke each word with great emphasis, as if each word was of great weight.

"Change the Minister of Civil Affairs to the Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Military Affairs to the Minister of War, and the Minister of Constitutional Affairs to the Minister of Punishment..."

"Abolish the right prime minister and return him to the position of Zhongshu Ling; abolish the left prime minister and return him to the position of Shizhong."

"The heads of the Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel are no longer prime ministers."

"Order Li Xuan to reorganize the Shangshu Province, set up Shangshu Zuo Pushe, and return the power of dispatching envoys to the six ministers. Under the six ministries, each of them will perform their duties..."

"The General of Tiance can open a Tiance Mansion, appoint subordinates, and have 20,000 Tiance guards. They will assist the General of Tiance in handling military and political affairs."

"From now on, Li Xuan can serve as the Grand Marshal of the Armies of the Nation and mobilize any troops from the Jiedushi and counties, and execute them first and report later! He can appoint any official below the third rank with full authority..."

"Order Li Xuan to do his best to quell the rebellion. All officials of the court and county chiefs must assist him with all their strength. Those who disobey orders will be regarded as traitors and will be executed without mercy..."

(End of this chapter)