"This is simply outrageous."
The lords of the Five Surnames and Seven Hopes who were rejected once again were so angry that they were about to ascend to the heavens. The seven of them had always been high and mighty, and no one had ever dared to reject them. But today, they were rejected twice in one day.
"Since the Kong Family doesn't know how to appreciate kindness, then don't blame us for not giving face to Kong Sheng!" The Wang Family Lord said fiercely.
The Zheng Family Lord shook his head and said, "The Kong Family's position is very sensitive. Brother Wang, you can't act recklessly."
Although the Kong Family only used the Confucian Family as a tool to control the government, the Kong Family was the spiritual symbol of the entire Confucian Family. Once they touched the Kong Family, even they wouldn't be able to bear the consequences.
The Wang Family Lord snorted and said, "The Old Man naturally knows. But if the Kong Family wants to transform the private school into an elementary school to increase the prestige of the Kong Family, then it will depend on whether the other families agree or not."
"You're saying …" The Zheng Family Lord said in realization.
The Wang Family Lord nodded and said, "Once the private school is transformed into an elementary school, the poor children will definitely have an impact on the aristocratic children. I think that no aristocratic family in the world wants to see such a situation. As long as we give a little guidance, the aristocratic families will definitely take the initiative to stop the private school in their own county."
"Brother Wang's plan is brilliant. All the teachers are immersed in the study of the Four Books and Five Classics, but the elementary school actually has to learn the teachings of various schools. Countless teachers will definitely be dissatisfied. Coupled with the influence of the aristocratic families, the elementary school will definitely become a joke. At that time, there will naturally be people in the government who will help us settle this matter." The Zheng Family Lord nodded and said. The Five Surnames and Seven Hopes had a lot of influence in the government. As long as the elementary school has a series of problems, there will definitely be countless people who will attack. It won't be long before they can completely wipe out this policy.
"What about the Mo Family?" The Fanyang Lu Family Lord asked.
The Wang Family Lord snorted and said, "We won't be so polite to the Mo Family. Send a message to all the aristocratic families. If anyone dares to cooperate with the Mo Family again, then they will become the enemy of the Five Surnames and Seven Hopes."
"That's right. Kill the chicken to warn the monkey. Let's use the chicken Mo Jiazi as a warning to the Kong Family." The Zheng Family Lord said....
The head of the Cui Family nodded and said, "The Mo Family and the Kong Family are easy to deal with, but what about the second favor?"
Immediately, all the family heads went silent. If the Mo Family was a chicken, the Kong Family was a monkey, and Li Shimin was a tiger, a tiger that could eat people.
"This matter should be handled by Brother Li! Li Tang is from the Li family of Longxi. According to seniority, Li Shimin should also call you uncle. I'm afraid you're the most suitable person to speak up. "The head of the Wang family looked at the silent head of the Li family of Longxi.
The head of the Li family of Longxi shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "Although I'm the head of the Li family of Longxi, Li Yuan's bloodline is only a branch of the Li family of Longxi. The Old Man's words won't be of much use. Don't forget, Li Er killed his brother and imprisoned his father to get the throne. It can be seen that he doesn't agree with the eldest son's succession system. If the Old Man goes, I'm afraid he's just asking for humiliation!"
After the head of the Li family of Longxi finished speaking, everyone went silent. Whether it was Li Er's background or as an emperor, he probably didn't want to see the existence of the Five Surnames and Seven Hopes.
Everyone couldn't help but sigh. The Five Surnames and Seven Hopes had never been so dispirited like today. They, who usually called the wind and the rain, actually hit a wall one after another today.
"Da Da Da!"
Suddenly, a hurried sound of horse hooves came. A servant quickly rushed to the front of the head of the Li family of Longxi, flew down from the horse, and reported in a low voice. The head of the Li family of Longxi couldn't help but be stunned and exclaimed, "Really?!"
The servant nodded solemnly.
"Brother Li, did something big happen?" The head of the Wang family asked.
The head of the Li family of Longxi forcefully squeezed out two drops of tears and said sorrowfully, "The Retired Emperor has passed away!"
"The Retired Emperor has passed away!" Everyone couldn't help but be stunned, and then they were overjoyed. Didn't Li Yuan's passing mean that Li Shimin had to observe filial piety for at least three years in name? If he pushed out a second favor in these three years, he would definitely be attacked as unfilial by the court officials.
"We only have three years. If we can convince the Mo family and the Kong Family within these three years, then we have the capital to negotiate with Li Shimin. Otherwise, everyone, just leave it to fate!" The head of the Li family of Longxi had tears on his face, but his expression didn't have the slightest sadness.
"The heavens haven't forsaken my Five Surnames and Seven Hopes!" The head of the Zheng family laughed loudly. However, the seven of them were Li Yuan's old friends, and one of them was even Li Yuan's cousin. They should have been sad about Li Yuan's passing, but at this moment, they were laughing loudly, celebrating their temporary new life.
"The Retired Emperor has passed away!"
When the messenger from the palace arrived at the Mo estate, Princess Changle immediately felt like she was struck by lightning.
"Imperial Grandfather!" Princess Changle couldn't help but sob.
Although Li Yuan and Li Shimin's relationship was very stiff, he was extremely fond of Princess Changle, and Princess Changle also frequently went to Da 'an Palace to accompany Li Yuan, replacing Li Shimin to fulfill filial piety. The relationship between grandfather and grandson was extremely harmonious.
"Changle, don't be sad. The Retired Emperor suffered a stroke and was paralyzed in bed for several months. Now that he has passed away, it can be said that he doesn't suffer anymore." Meton comforted.
According to the course of history, Li Yuan should have passed away a long time ago. However, because of Meton, the School of Medicine flourished and extended Li Yuan's life for half a year. It was already a great fortune.
Princess Changle still couldn't stop crying. Although she was mentally prepared for Li Yuan's death, when she heard that her loved one had left the world, how could she not be inconsolable?
Seeing this, Meton couldn't help but rejoice. Fortunately, he didn't hesitate to develop penicillin to cure Empress Zhangsun's illness. Otherwise, Princess Changle wouldn't be able to withstand such a blow after experiencing the death of her loved ones twice in a row.
"No, I have to send Imperial Grandfather off." Princess Changle struggled to get up, struggling to go out.
"Your Highness Princess Changle, you mustn't. When this servant came, His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress had already instructed that Your Highness Princess Changle should recuperate at home and not disturb the fetus." The eunuch who came to deliver the message hurriedly stopped her. Generally, when the elders of the family passed away, pregnant people needed to avoid coming. This was a rule since ancient times.
"But …" Princess Changle stroked her bulging abdomen as she spoke in a difficult manner.
Meton comforted her, "This time, your husband can go. I will definitely be filial for my wife."
Meton comforted her again and again. Only then did Princess Changle calm down. He reached out and beckoned Wu Meiniang to his side, saying, "Mei Niang, accompany Master's wife these few days. Don't let her be too sad."
"Master, don't worry!" Wu Meiniang repeatedly responded and went forward to support Princess Changle.
Only then did Meton feel relieved and got up. He followed the messenger all the way to the imperial palace.
Meton's journey was smooth and he arrived at Da 'an Palace. Da' an Palace had already turned into a huge mourning hall. Almost all the relatives of the emperor had already arrived. The head of the Li family of Longxi, who had just been at the Mo Estate, was also at the forefront, looking heartbroken.
"Your Majesty, Empress, please restrain your grief!" Meton bowed.
"How is Changle?" Empress Zhangsun's eyes were red. Obviously, she had just cried. When she saw Meton arrive, she asked aloud.
"Empress, Changle heard that the Retired Emperor passed away and was very sad. I have already let my disciple accompany her." Meton replied.
Empress Zhangsun nodded. When she saw Li Yuan's memorial tablet in the mourning hall, she couldn't help but shed tears.
"Your Majesty's health has just improved. I hope Your Majesty won't be sad and will prioritize your health." Meton saw that Empress Zhangsun was heartbroken just after getting better and couldn't help but comfort her.
"I am your daughter-in-law. How can I be absent at this moment? Meton, don't worry. I know my own body. I can hold on." Empress Zhangsun looked at Meton and couldn't help showing a trace of softness. If the School of Mo and the Medical School hadn't worked together to develop the True Medicine of Azure Dragon, she definitely wouldn't have been able to hold on.
She was lucky, but Li Yuan wasn't so lucky. The True Medicine of Azure Dragon didn't have much use for stroke. Even if the Medical School had used the highest medical skills to directly inject the True Medicine of Azure Dragon into Li Yuan's blood vessels, it only delayed Li Yuan's life for two days.
At the head of the mourning hall, the head of the Li family of Longxi couldn't help but frown when he saw Meton and Empress Zhangsun talking for so long.
As the chief steward of Li Yuan's funeral, the head of the Li family of Longxi led the officials and the royal family to kneel three times and nine times in front of Li Yuan's mourning hall. Then, he picked up an imperial edict and said loudly, "The Retired Emperor has long issued a posthumous edict. After a hundred years, he will be buried together with Empress Taimu in Xian Tomb. …"
Meton's heart moved. Empress Taimu, Madame Dou, was Li Yuan's first wife. She gave birth to four sons and one daughter. They were Li Jiancheng, Li Shimin, Li Yuanba, Li Yuanji, and Princess Pingyang. However, after the Xuanwu Gate incident, Li Shimin was the only child left.
When Madame Dou was alive, Li Yuan never took a concubine. Since Madame Dou passed away, Li Yuan could be considered to have completely let himself go. He took in beautiful women and indulged in excessive debauchery. He even gave Li Shimin many younger brothers and sisters.
Li Shimin said in a deep voice, "Imperial Father's kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. I have decided to observe filial piety for Imperial Father for three years."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
"The country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Although Your Majesty has lost a loved one, please consider the common people of the world."
… … …
Hearing this, the ministers were shocked and advised one after another. On one hand, they praised Li Shimin's filial piety. On the other hand, they tried to stop Li Shimin from observing filial piety.
"Imperial Brother still needs to govern the world. How about letting this younger brother observe filial piety in place of Imperial Brother for three years?" Suddenly, a young member of the imperial family stood up and cupped his hands.
"So it's His Highness, King of Han!"
"His Highness, King of Han is really a filial person."
Seeing that King of Han was so tactful, the ministers praised him one after another. Almost in an instant, King of Han became a filial son praised by everyone.
"King of Han, Li Yuanchang!" Meton could not help but shrink his eyes. He had a deep impression of this rare King in history. He was not a law-abiding person.
"Then I'll have to trouble Imperial Brother!" Li Shimin said smoothly.
"Your Majesty, we still need to confirm the size of the tomb for the Grand Emperor. Your Majesty, please choose!" the patriarch of the Li Family of Longxi asked. The tomb had originally been the tomb of Empress Taimu. Now that Li Yuan was buried with her, the size would naturally be better.
Li Shimin thought for a moment. Li Yuan was the founding emperor and naturally had to enjoy the qualifications of a founding emperor. Emperors originated from the Qin First Emperor, but the Qin First Emperor's tomb was too large. If they used the scale of the Qin First Emperor's tomb, it would probably immediately collapse the entire Tang Dynasty. While Liu Bang's tomb in Changling was extraordinary, Li Shimin thought that Liu Bang was of lowly birth and could not compare to the nobility of the Li Family. The only suitable tomb would probably be the tomb of the founder of the Eastern Han, Liu Xiu.
"Then build the tomb according to the standards of the Emperor Guangwu's tomb," Li Shimin said solemnly.
The officials couldn't help but nod. Li Shimin's choice was very appropriate. It could be said to be the most suitable for Li Yuan. Also, the tomb of the Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu, was buried with his empress, Yin Lihua.
"One more matter is the construction of the tomb. Your Majesty, please gather the best craftsmen in the world to ensure that the tomb of the Grand Emperor is safe!" the patriarch of the Li Family of Longxi bowed and said.
Immediately, the officials fell silent. Since ancient times, the dynasties hated tomb robbers the most, especially the tombs of the imperial family. The tombs of the imperial family were even more valuable and were the holy lands of tomb robbers.
"This official has heard that the Gongshu Family is skilled in making silver vaults. The vaults they make are extremely safe. With the Gongshu Family supervising, the tomb will definitely be safe." Wei Zheng raised his hands and said.
"Official Wei does not know. While the Gongshu Family is skilled, the vaults will be safe. They also need the reinforced concrete produced by the Mohist Family as the raw material. Blades and axes cannot damage it. Only then will it be safe," the patriarch of the Li Family of Longxi said clearly.
In a flash, everyone's eyes focused on Meton.
Meton bitterly smiled and said, "It's not that this kid is unwilling to fulfill his filial duties for the Grand Emperor, but reinforced concrete only has a lifespan of a hundred years. After a hundred years, it will become weak and will not be as durable as limestone. The Minister does not dare to affect the Grand Emperor's thousand years underground."
"A hundred years!" Li Shimin said regretfully.
He had personally experienced the toughness of reinforced concrete. While a bridge for a hundred years was enough, it was far from enough for an underground tomb.
"Then use the craftsmanship of the previous emperors and choose an auspicious day to bury the Grand Emperor," Li Shimin solemnly said.
"Yes!" the patriarch of the Li Family of Longxi respectfully said.
Although Li Yuan had already abdicated, everything was done according to the emperor's etiquette. Meton went through one complicated ceremony after another before tiredly returning.
After the officials left, Da 'an Palace fell into a deathly stillness.
"Your Majesty, you should rest for a while!" Empress Zhangsun stepped forward and advised.
"All of you withdraw! I want to stay with Father Emperor for a while! "Li Shimin said in a low voice.
Empress Zhangsun couldn't help but sigh. How could she not know the grudge between this father and son? Now that Li Yuan had passed away, this grudge had also reached the time to be resolved.
Emperor Changsun waved his hand and the palace maids and eunuchs left the hall one after another. Only Li Yuan's memorial tablet and Li Shimin remained.
Li Shimin sat in front of Li Yuan whose eyes were tightly shut. Seeing the hero in his heart with his eyes tightly shut and never to wake up again, his silent tears couldn't help but fall.
When he was young, Li Shimin thought that his father was the greatest person in the world. He was proud of his father his entire life. At that time, his mother was still alive. His brothers were harmonious, and there was even a gentle little sister who was full of smiles. This kind of warmth could be said to be unique among the aristocratic families.
However, following the death of his mother and his father's recruitment of beauties, the estrangement between him and his father increased. Following the rise of Li Yuan's army, he and his older brother fought for merit. A deep crack appeared in the brotherly love. However, his younger sister Li Xiuning worked hard to maintain this familial love with difficulty.
However, with the sudden death of Princess Ping Yangzhao, this familial love that everyone envied was instantly shattered. During the incident at the Xuanwu Gate, he personally killed Li Jiancheng and saw the disbelief in his father's eyes. When he came to the Taiji Palace, he could not look directly at his father's sorrowful and disappointed eyes. A family that everyone envied in the world became the most tragic family in the world. No one could have predicted this kind of ending.
"I lost my mother, my younger sister, and my brothers. Now, I've also lost my father." Li Shimin's eyes were tightly shut but tears flowed freely. From today onwards, he finally became a loner.
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