Chapter 5372 Unstoppable Momentum 2

Chapter 5372 Unparalleled Momentum
The main hall of the Dali Temple.

After listening to Zhi Shi Shaode's account, Di Renjie pondered for a moment and said, "Immediately send someone to tell your family not to interfere. The Dali Temple will transfer the case to the Zongzheng Temple and monitor it. You should stay in the Dali Temple prison and wait for the trial and sentencing."

Zhi Shi Shaode was shocked and said urgently, "This was definitely not my doing. It was the old woman who suddenly rushed out from the crowd, causing the warhorse to convulse and be trampled to death. Many of my classmates can testify to this!"

I'm clearly the victim, so why does it seem like the truth is reversed now?

Di Renjie patiently explained, "Even if you deliberately ran over the old woman, given your status, you would only have to pay a fine and atone for your sins with money. But if someone is behind this, the target certainly won't be you; it might be the Crown Prince."

Although he is a student of the academy, he is also a member of the "Divine Machine Battalion" and is now being transferred to the Eastern Palace for a change of duty... which could easily involve the Eastern Palace.

The deaths are a minor matter, but if the Crown Prince gets involved, then things will become much more serious.

Zhi Shi Shaode was puzzled: "If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to close this case at the Dali Temple? Don't worry, senior, I will plead guilty no matter what punishment the Dali Temple imposes."

Di Renjie shook his head and said, "It's the same principle. You are a member of the 'Shenji Battalion'. This incident happened because you were in a hurry to go to the East Palace to change shifts. As long as the mastermind's target is the East Palace, it can still be implicated. Therefore, the best way to handle this case is not to convict you, but to delay it. When it reaches a higher level, someone will take legal action."

The moment Wei Renyue recounted the case, he understood why Dong Xiong said it was a lesson for him, and why he wanted him to understand that even the Dali Temple was not simply black and white, and that not every matter needed to be judged as right or wrong.

Ordinary judges can decide cases regardless of the circumstances, but this is not possible if one aspires to become the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

At a higher level, the issue is not about right and wrong, but about politics.

Politics requires compromise.

*****
At noon, the emperor's entourage emerged from Chengtian Gate. Hundreds of imperial guards in black helmets and red tassels rode slowly, escorting a magnificent four-wheeled carriage adorned with dragons and phoenixes. The carriage traveled south along Zhuque Avenue, traversing the entire imperial city, and exited through Zhuque Gate.

The people of the city rarely saw the emperor travel, and upon hearing the news, they rushed out of their neighborhoods and gathered on both sides of Zhuque Street to watch the majestic and imposing imperial procession slowly pass by.

"Your Majesty is always frugal and low-key, so why is there such a large mobilization?"

"Young master, you are too out of touch with the world. Have you not heard that the mission to the Abbasid Caliphate returned to the capital today?"

"Even so, is it really necessary for His Majesty to personally come out of the city to greet him? Does Xu Jingzong really have such a high status?"

"During this mission to the Abbasid Caliphate, Minister Xu, with his silver tongue, signed an alliance with them, reaping substantial profits and gaining international prestige. This is an unprecedented achievement!"

"I cannot agree with your statement, my lord. While it is true that Xu Jingzong facilitated the negotiations, if Xue Rengui had not led the Anxi Army across mountains and rivers, traversing thousands of miles for a long-distance raid, and if Su Dingfang had not led the navy to conquer the Indochina Peninsula and directly threatened the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, what could Xu Jingzong have negotiated?"

"The military is certainly a source of confidence in negotiations, but if it weren't for Xu Jingzong, it's unlikely that anyone else would have been able to sign such favorable terms."

"What if the Grand Commandant went in person?"

"Well... but after all, the Grand Commandant didn't go. It was Xu Jingzong who signed the alliance. You're just being unreasonable!"

"The Grand Commandant, stationed at Huating Naval Port, remotely commands naval operations and oversees overseas territories, greatly expanding the empire's territory. Countries in the Indochina Peninsula, which have never been conquered since the Qin and Han dynasties, have submitted petitions of surrender. Isn't this a greater achievement than that of Xu Jingzong?"

"Grand Commandant's achievements are undoubtedly outstanding, but we cannot erase Xu Jingzong's contributions!"

……

As Li Chengqian personally led his entourage out of the city to welcome the delegation, discussions and public opinion surged both inside and outside Chang'an.

Some have touted that Xu Jingzong's signing of the peace treaty greatly enhanced the nation's prestige and extended its influence beyond its borders, making the Tang Dynasty's power reach as far as Mesopotamia and the heartland of the Abbasid Caliphate. They claim it is a monumental achievement and is destined to be recorded in history.

Some people disagree, believing that this is shameful to seize credit based on the countless arduous battles and sacrifices made by the military.

The reason for this bipolar reversal in public opinion is twofold. First, since the Zhenguan era, the Tang Dynasty had almost no defeats in a series of foreign wars. Powerful countries like the Turks and Goguryeo were successively destroyed, Tibet was forced to huddle on the plateau and barely survive, and the Abbasid Caliphate suffered two major defeats in its wars. This raised the morale of the Chinese people to an unprecedented level, making them consider themselves the strongest country at the time.

Even if we force the Arab world to sign a humiliating treaty, wouldn't that be justified?
Furthermore, Xu Jingzong's reputation among scholars and officials has always been poor, especially since he willingly submitted to Fang Jun's tutelage despite his status as a former minister of Emperor Taizong and one of the "Eighteen Scholars of the Prince of Qin's Mansion," allowing himself to be driven around and serving as a lackey, which is despised by the world.

Regardless, Li Chengqian's personal departure from the city to welcome the triumphant return of the delegation propelled Xu Jingzong to the forefront of public opinion, making him incredibly popular for the time being.

……

Upon arriving at the post station outside the city, the delegation learned that His Majesty would personally come out of the city to welcome them. Everyone was excited, as the more His Majesty valued the trip, the greater the achievement would be, adding a significant mark to their record of merit.

It may not be obvious at the moment, but in the future, whenever there is a promotion, this achievement will be a solid foundation for a meteoric rise in rank...

Pei Huaijie, however, remained indifferent, showing no sign of excitement.

For him, political achievements were no longer that important. After all, the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was the highest peak he could reach in his life, and there was almost no possibility of advancing further. Moreover, the fact that he was suppressed by Xu Jingzong throughout the negotiations greatly diminished his merits. Given that His Majesty did not trust him, it was nothing short of wishful thinking to try to gain more power.

When the imperial carriage returned to the city, His Majesty ordered Xu Jingzong to ride in the same carriage alone, while the others followed behind. Pei Huaijie became increasingly disheartened.

The application scenarios for four-wheeled carriages are limited, as the roads are uneven, extremely bumpy, and prone to overturning. However, the road conditions in Chang'an are considered the best in the world, which highlights the advantages of its spaciousness, smooth sailing, and luxurious furnishings.

The spacious carriage was covered with an intricately patterned and luxurious carpet. In the center was a carved tea table, complete with tea sets and pastries. In the corner, a bronze base held a charcoal-filled incense burner. Outside, the wind was biting cold, but inside the carriage, it was warm and cozy.

Li Chengqian sat behind the tea table, holding the original contract and carefully read it through. Although the detailed terms had already been sent to the capital by the post station and he knew them by heart, he still couldn't help but feel excited and agitated.

Setting aside the contract, he exclaimed in admiration: "Sweeping through enemy lines from tens of thousands of miles away, their sharp edge is sure to prevail—this is an achievement unprecedented in Chinese history!"

He seemed quite pleased with himself.

Xu Jingzong was also full of admiration: "Although this achievement may not be unprecedented, it is still unparalleled in the world and is comparable to that of any emperor. If this gives the Tang Dynasty an advantage in the competition with the Abbasid Caliphate, then it would not be an exaggeration to say that this achievement is unparalleled throughout the ages. I congratulate Your Majesty!"

He has always been good at understanding people's hearts, so how could he not know His Majesty's preferences?
Although His Majesty has been diligent and low-key since ascending the throne, dislikes beautiful women, humbly accepts advice, and is diligent in government affairs... he seems to be a wise ruler.

But he knew that this might not be His Majesty's true nature, and the reason for making such a gesture was only one thing—to surpass Emperor Taizong.

Emperor Taizong was eager to change his heir, and many in the court supported him. For Li Chengqian at that time, he was filled with fear and helplessness, feeling that his life was in constant danger. After successfully ascending the throne, defeating the coup, and consolidating his position, his previous fear and helplessness transformed into resentment and defiance.

He had to prove to the world that Emperor Taizong was wrong, and that he could not only be a good emperor, but even better than Emperor Taizong!
Under the influence of Emperor Taizong, Li Chengqian certainly knew how to be a good emperor—nothing more than being open to advice and being lenient with others.

Now that we have achieved something that even Emperor Taizong never accomplished, how could we not be overjoyed?
"Eh!"

Li Chengqian waved his hand and laughed, "The saying 'humility brings benefit, while pride invites loss' means that we should not become arrogant and conceited after achieving a little success. Instead, we should ride the wave and create even greater achievements! I share this sentiment with you, my beloved!"

Xu Jingzong understood immediately, and forcibly suppressed his excitement, respectfully saying, "Your Majesty's wisdom is boundless, and I deeply admire you."

Therefore, all the previous arrangements have made encouraging progress, and "riding the wind and achieving even greater success" means that one is about to take another step forward.

That was the head of the prime ministers, whose etiquette surpassed all officials and who oversaw all affairs!
However, amidst the excitement and exhilaration, there was also some fear. After all, his complete allegiance to His Majesty meant going against Fang Jun and parting ways. If Fang Jun were to retaliate against him directly, it would surely be a powerful and overwhelming attack.

In the current court, Fang Jun is almost unrestricted and can do whatever he wants. Is he able to resist him?
……

As the imperial carriage returned to the city through Mingde Gate, the crowds still gathered on both sides of Zhuque Street erupted in cheers and applause. Not only was Li Chengqian smiling with delight, but Xu Jingzong was also full of pride. Seeing so many people supporting him, his fear of Fang Junzhi lessened somewhat.

Upon returning to Taiji Palace, Li Chengqian invited the delegation to a meal, and then summoned his senior officials for a meeting.

Before long, a group of ministers, including Fang Jun, Liu Ji, Li Ji, Ma Zhou, Li Yuanjia, Liu Rengui, Tang Jian, and Liu Xiangdao, arrived in succession.

A gust of north wind blew by, and the sky darkened. Inside the Wude Hall, candles were lit.

Li Chengqian sat in the center, looked around at everyone, and set the tone for this expedition to the Abbasid Caliphate: "In this battle, the army and navy have worked with all their might and overcome all difficulties to penetrate deep into the heart of the enemy chieftain's territory, intimidating all nations and displaying their power beyond the borders. The Ministry of War should accurately verify the merits of the soldiers and officers of each unit and reward them accordingly."

Liu Rengui respectfully replied, "Yes, sir!"

Afterwards, Li Chengqian did not discuss the contract, but unexpectedly asked the Imperial Censor Liu Xiang, "I heard that a murder occurred outside the West Market Gate this morning?"

The ministers were startled and immediately became alert.