met free Chapter 529: Conversation between the Emperor and His Ministers
Chapter 529: Conversation between the Emperor and His Ministers
Outside the Taiji Hall, the sun was warm and the breeze was gentle. The ministers sat on cushions, but everyone had a look of confusion on their faces and their eyes were focused on Li Chengqian.
Li Chengqian straightened his back, slowly scanned the crowd, cleared his throat, and said, "Let me tell you something."
"Ever since I proposed the idea of the world being for all, Minister Li has ordered a custom plaque to be prepared."
"It read 'The world belongs to all.' He hung the plaque high above the main gate of the Li Mansion, where passersby could see it."
He paused slightly, a trace of thought flashing across his eyes. "Of course, a plaque might only indicate his support for my ideas, but it doesn't seem to reveal much substantive information."
After a brief pause, Li Chengqian raised his voice a few notches, his tone full of emotion: "But, my dear ministers, do you know the living conditions of Li Shangshu?"
"Li Wei, a dignified third-rank official of the Tang Dynasty, the Minister of Revenue, controls the lifeline of the nation's finances. Despite his high position and power, he lives in a small courtyard."
"The courtyard had only two entrances, a low wall, and the house itself was very plain. Walking into the courtyard, it was deserted, with not even two servants to serve."
"On weekdays, Minister Li sweeps the courtyard himself, eats simple meals, and lives an extremely simple life."
"I also heard," Li Chengqian's voice softened, a touch of emotion in his voice, "that Li Wei didn't even keep the Kunlun slave I gifted him, but instead gave it to a poor and destitute citizen in Chang'an."
"That commoner's wife and children are seriously ill and worried about no one to take care of them. Minister Li's move is undoubtedly a timely help."
Li Chengqian nodded slightly, his eyes filled with satisfaction. "I am very pleased that Minister Li has not forgotten his origins. He was born in poverty and worked his way up from the bottom of society, but he always remembered that he was once an ordinary citizen."
"Coming from the people and returning to the people, this is the model that Tang officials should follow. This is a good official who truly cares about the world and serves the people wholeheartedly!"
Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, "I am a suspicious person, I will not hide this from you."
"That day, the court meeting took place in this Taiji Hall. I heard every word you said to Minister Li clearly."
Having said that, Li Chengqian's gaze was like a sharp blade, shooting straight at Xu Jingzong, Tang Lin and others.
The ministers lowered their heads instantly, their faces filled with shame, not knowing what to do with their hands and feet.
Li Chengqian did not pause for long and continued speaking.
"But do you know what Minister Li did after he returned? Before dawn the next day, he personally sent his only son, Li Qi, to the Ministry of Rites and volunteered to participate in the mission to Tianzhu."
Li Chengqian's eyes flickered with a strange light. "Among all the officials of the Tang Dynasty, the first to send a child as an envoy to India was actually a Minister of Revenue who had a son in his old age and only had this one son."
"The journey to Tianzhu is long, with mountains and rivers blocking the way. The journey is full of difficulties and dangers. Minister Li's actions show his unconditional support for me and his loyalty to the Tang Dynasty. This is truly admirable!"
Li Chengqian slowly stood up and faced Li Wei.
"Li Wei, listen carefully, you are fully worthy of this gift from me."
"From now on, I appoint Li Wei as the Minister of Works of the Tang Dynasty, a rank among the Three Dukes, enjoying a first-rank salary. At the same time, he will continue to exercise the power of the Minister of Revenue."
"You treat me with all your sincerity, and I will never let you down!"
"From now on, you will be my loyal minister."
After hearing Li Chengqian's words, Li Wei seemed to be frozen in place, and stood there in a daze for an instant.
He opened his mouth slightly, but couldn't speak for a long time.
After a long pause, he stammered, "Your Majesty, how can I be worthy of such a generous gesture from Your Majesty?"
Li Wei's body trembled slightly. The position of Three Dukes was an honor he had never dared to hope for in his life. Now it suddenly came to him, and he didn't know what to do for a moment. He subconsciously clasped his hands together, trembling slightly.
Li Chengqian looked at him, a gentle smile appeared on his face, and he said softly: "If I say you can bear it, then you can bear it."
"From now on, you, Li Wei, will be the Minister of Works of the Tang Dynasty. Your name and mine will be recorded in the long history books, passed down to future generations."
After saying that, Li Chengqian raised his head and laughed, "Hahahaha..." The laughter was heroic and echoed outside the Taiji Hall for a long time.
After laughing, Li Chengqian glanced at the other officials, then slowly sat back down on the cushion.
He swept his gaze over the crowd again, his expression becoming serious. "My dear ministers, please calm down and think carefully. How does the salary you receive now compare to that during the Zhenguan period?"
He paused slightly, his eyes sweeping across everyone's faces. "It's at least ten times, or even dozens of times more, right?"
"These salaries are enough for your family to live a rich life and cover all expenses, right?"
"But what about you?" Li Chengqian said helplessly. "I always feel that I treat you too harshly. I always feel that now that we are in the prosperous Qianwu era, these salaries are what you naturally deserve."
Li Chengqian shook his head slightly, disappointment in his eyes. "But you know, your monthly salary is something that ordinary people would hardly earn in five months."
"Isn't this enough? How much more do you want me to treat you well?"
"When I first came to power, I proposed high salaries to maintain integrity. It was all out of good intentions, hoping to allow you to serve as officials with peace of mind and work for the welfare of the people. But the result has turned out like this. It is truly heartbreaking!"
Seeing the worry in the ministers' eyes, Li Chengqian understood what they were worried about, so he continued, his tone becoming gentler: "But I will not reduce your salaries. I govern the world with you, and naturally I understand how difficult it is for you."
He sighed slightly, his eyes full of understanding, "I know that you all oppose the idea of the world being for all, from the bottom of your hearts."
"You hate these new things. You feel that after the Great Hall of the People is established, the Tang Dynasty no longer needs you. You feel that your status and power are threatened."
Li Chengqian raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at everyone, "Really?" There was a hint of inquiry and exploration in his voice, trying to guide everyone to speak out their true thoughts.
"Just talk casually, just treat it as a daily chat. I won't blame you."
Li Chengqian's tone became more friendly, trying to create a relaxed atmosphere and let the ministers let down their guard. "Lord Tang, tell me, is this the case?"
He turned his gaze to Tang Lin with a hint of encouragement in his eyes, hoping that he would tell the truth.
Tang Lin hesitated for a moment, looked at his colleagues around him, and saw that they all bowed their heads in silence. Then he nodded slowly and said frankly, "Your Majesty, it is indeed so."
"There is not a single one of us who is not afraid. We are afraid of losing the treatment we have now, and we are afraid of losing this hard-earned wealth and glory."
"So I inevitably have many complaints in my heart, and my words and actions have been inappropriate. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Tang Lin's voice was quiet, but it was remarkably clear. Although he was usually harsh with his words, he was honest in his heart. Apart from him, no one else would dare to say these words so bluntly.