bayedsolid Chapter 563 I'm telling you quietly
Chapter 563 I'm telling you quietly
Li Chengqian sat around a table with two old ministers, Cheng Yaojin and Li Ji, and had a very pleasant conversation.
Zhang Xianhuai kept pouring wine for the three of them.
Li Chengqian's words expressed his remembrance of Li Shimin and his sympathy for the affairs of these old ministers after their death.
Hearing this, Cheng Yaojin and Li Ji felt indescribably moved.
Looking back many years ago, Li Chengqian was still the somewhat immature Crown Prince who followed behind Li Shimin.
At that time, he was thin and time flew by. It seemed that in just a blink of an eye, the young boy had grown into a tall and straight king, able to stand on his own and steadily shoulder the heavy burden of governing the country. These changes made the two old ministers feel deeply moved.
In their memories, there is one scene that is particularly clear.
Li Shimin often frowned and complained to them helplessly, saying that Li Chengqian was obsessed with studying things that were considered to be strange and cunning skills at the time.
Things like making sophisticated mechanical gadgets, researching new methods of water conservancy and irrigation, and having unique insights into astronomy and astrology were all considered by Li Shimin to be unproductive.
Li Shimin also always said that the prince knew nothing about the traditional six arts of a gentleman: rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. What should he do?
However, Cheng Yaojin and Li Ji saw Li Chengqian's potential from his persistence in these new things. They always believed that this child would achieve great things in the future.
Therefore, they always patiently comforted Li Shimin, asking him to have more confidence in the prince and believe that the prince would shine in the future.
Time flies, and those words that were once whispered about have disappeared without a trace like dust blown away by the wind.
Who still remembers the doubts and criticisms directed at His Royal Highness the Crown Prince back then?
Looking back now, the former Crown Prince has become His Majesty respected by all people.
Looking at the entire history, how many people can match his philosophy of governing the country and his great talent and strategy?
His decisiveness in handling government affairs and his kindness towards the people are all impressive.
"Drink, come on, cheers!"
Li Chengqian's voice broke the momentary silence. He raised his wine glass high with a sincere smile on his face and respect for the two old ministers in his eyes.
Cheng Yaojin glanced at the dishes on the table casually, and found that the dishes that were originally steaming hot had now become completely cold.
He quickly stood up and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the dishes are cold. They don't taste good and can upset your stomach. I'll have someone bring another table."
Li Chengqian waved his hand with a gentle expression.
"Duke Lu, there's no need to bother. These dishes are enough."
"Look, there are so many of us sitting here. Let's finish all the food today and not waste a single cent."
"People have been working hard in the fields since spring plowing, sowing, fertilizing, and irrigating. They have endured the scorching heat of summer, the busyness of autumn, and the waiting of winter to harvest these grains. It is really not easy."
"Yes! Your Majesty!" Cheng Yaojin nodded vigorously.
If Your Majesty can have such awareness, there is no need to worry about the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
After three rounds of wine and five dishes, when everyone was satisfied with their meal and drink, Li Chengqian turned his head slightly and his eyes fell on Li Ji, with a deep look in his eyes.
He walked up, patted Li Ji's shoulder gently, and signaled with his eyes that he had something important to discuss with him in private.
Li Ji understood what he meant, raised his head and straightened his back. Although he was old, his posture still revealed the heroic spirit of a veteran on the battlefield.
He followed His Majesty and slowly walked out of the mall.
At this time, the night sky is full of twinkling stars and the breeze is blowing gently, bringing a hint of coolness to the night. It is a good opportunity to take a walk and eliminate indigestion in this beautiful night.
Zhang Xianhuai chatted with Cheng Yaojin about everything, and bursts of laughter could be heard from time to time.
"Duke Yingguo, I have long been hoping to find a suitable time to have a good chat with you, but unfortunately, the court is so busy that I simply cannot spare the time."
"Today I finally have the chance. Before you leave tomorrow, I'll give you a heads-up."
Li Chengqian's voice was a bit mysterious.
Upon hearing this, Li Ji couldn't help but feel a wave of doubts in his heart. He frowned slightly, a puzzled expression on his face, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, please explain clearly. I am all ears."
He really couldn't understand why His Majesty was so secretive. How important was the matter that he even had to avoid Cheng Yaojin and not let him hear it?
What is it that Cheng Yaojin cannot know?
This completely aroused Li Ji's curiosity.
Li Chengqian stopped, turned around slowly, and stared straight at Li Ji in front of him.
He did not speak immediately, but just stood there quietly, his eyes revealing a complex emotion of respect, gratitude, and concern for the old minister.
Just looking at this old man in front of me, who had made great military achievements for the Tang Dynasty, but now has a haggard face.
His hands seemed to be out of control as they slowly rose up and gently touched the wrinkles on Li Ji's face and the frosty white hair at his temples.
Li Ji only felt a tingling sensation on his back and an inexplicable sense of tension surged in his heart. He had no idea what the emperor's intention was behind this series of actions. He felt uneasy and could only wait quietly for the emperor to speak.
But when he heard Li Chengqian's next words, he froze in place, his mind going blank.
"Now, the one standing before me is the current martial arts general."
Every word of Li Chengqian's voice fell clearly into Li Ji's ears.
Li Ji suddenly raised his head in surprise, his eyes wide open.
He naturally knew clearly that His Majesty and the Emperor had once discussed and accomplished something of far-reaching significance.
They ordered the establishment of the Temple of War and the Temple of Literature, and recorded in detail the life stories and great achievements of the famous military generals and literati from ancient times to the present and from all dynasties, so that future generations could admire and learn from them, and their spirit and achievements could be passed down to the world forever.
Li Ji also understood very well that among the numerous military generals in the Tang Dynasty, only Li Jing had been highly praised by the retired emperor and carried into the Temple of Martial Arts, becoming one of the Ten Sages of the Temple of Martial Arts and enjoying the incense and offerings from future generations.
But today, I heard such words from His Majesty. Could it be that I also have the opportunity to step into the Temple of Martial Arts?
A hint of insecurity instantly appeared on Li Ji's face. It was an instinctive reaction brought about by long-standing humility and the fear of having extravagant expectations.
Although he had fought for many years and made many contributions to the Tang Dynasty, the position of the Ten Sages of the Martial Temple was extremely honorable. Moreover, sometimes, it required not only achievements but also social skills.
Li Chengqian looked at Li Ji and patted his shoulder again, his tone full of encouragement: "Duke Ying, cheer up! Throughout your life, you have fought in many battles, expanding the territory of the Tang Dynasty and making countless glorious military achievements."
"You fought every battle brilliantly, and made great contributions to the stability of the Tang Dynasty."
"If your achievements, Li Ji, can't earn you a place among the Ten Sages of the Temple of Martial Arts, then who else in the world has this ability?"
"My father carried General Li Jing to the Martial Temple, so I will carry you, General Li Ji, to the Martial Temple."
"It can be said that we, father and son, each carried a loyal minister of the Tang Dynasty. This will become a good story."
Li Chengqian's words instantly illuminated Li Ji's heart. His eyes quickly became moist, and tears flowed uncontrollably.
Your Majesty actually wants to carry himself to the Temple of Martial Arts?
It’s not that Li Ji hadn’t thought about this matter, but it was useless to think about it.
As the saying goes, a new emperor appoints his own ministers. I am just an old minister from the Zhenguan period. When the new emperor ascends the throne, it will be a prosperous era again.
Famous generals will naturally emerge slowly. If you want to use the position in the Temple of Martial Arts to win people's hearts, you can also win over the people of your own dynasty.
What's the point of winning the heart of an old man like him?
Li Ji could understand it, so he never thought about it.
But now, His Majesty wants to bestow this supreme honor upon me, an old man who is gradually being forgotten by time.
From all these things, how could Li Ji not feel Your Majesty's sincerity!
He raised his trembling hands and wanted to say something, but found that his throat seemed to be blocked. Thousands of words turned into tears of emotion, flowing freely in the silent night.