In the solemn, dignified and ever-changing imperial court of the Tang Dynasty, a test concerning the succession of the throne has been ongoing for several months. Its significance is self-evident. This is not only a turning point in the destinies of the princes, but also determines the future direction of the Tang Dynasty.
In order to select a successor who could lead the Tang Dynasty to prosperity and strength, the old emperor Li Yi meticulously planned this comprehensive assessment, covering governance strategies, military tactics, horseback riding and archery skills, and even the understanding of court etiquette and the various aspects of people's livelihood. The old emperor hoped that through this multi-dimensional examination, truly capable and responsible princes could stand out.
Li Muyang, the youngest among the many princes, did not receive much attention from the public at first. He was thin and usually moved quietly between the library of the imperial palace and the imperial garden.
However, when the clarion call for assessment sounded, the latent light within him gradually burst forth. In the policy essay examination, when confronted with the thorny question of "How to address the uneven economic development between the north and south of the Tang Dynasty at present", Li Muyang did not hesitate for a moment. With a sharp pen like a sword, he wrote down his own insights.
He not only analyzed in detail the influence of objective factors such as the climate, land resources and transportation conditions of the north and south on the economy, but also proposed a series of practical and feasible measures, such as promoting new water conservancy irrigation technologies in the south to increase farmland output; Open up more trade channels in the north to promote the circulation of materials among regions and thereby drive commercial prosperity. His answer sheet was logically rigorous, well-organized, detailed and to the point, which impressed the ministers who were marking it. They all began to look at this usually low-key young prince with new eyes.
On the horseback archery field, although Li Muyang was not as tall and strong as other princes, his horseback riding skills were truly unparalleled. With a vigorous posture, he mounted a black horse that was jet-black all over and had a flowing mane. On the horse's back, he galloped past like a black bolt of lightning, his movements proficient and smooth, fully demonstrating his dashing and heroic figure.
When drawing the bow to shoot an arrow, his gaze was resolute, like a cold star twinkling in the night sky, firmly locking onto the bullseye. The arrow, as if it had eyes, hit the bullseye precisely and without any mistake. The soldiers and palace maids watching from the side couldn't help but applaud and cheer for him. The continuous applause and cheers echoed in the empty archery field.
After much deliberation, Li Yi decided to prioritize the future of the Tang Dynasty and step down from the throne. His own physical condition is no longer capable of shouldering the responsibility of governing the country. However, Li Muyang's outstanding performance in the assessment has given him a glimmer of hope for the future of the Tang Dynasty. He believes that Li Muyang can lead the Tang Dynasty to new glories.
The moment Li Muyang was declared the new emperor, the entire court was instantly in an uproar, as if a huge rock had been thrown into a calm lake, creating thousands of ripples.
Some ministers looked astonished, their mouths slightly open, and their eyes filled with disbelief. They had originally favored those older and experienced princes, but they never expected this usually reserved and unremarkable young prince to stand out among many competitors. How could this be possible? Li Muyang is so young. Can he govern the country well? An old minister with white hair couldn't help muttering in a low voice, his face full of worry and confusion.
Some ministers, however, nodded slightly, their eyes revealing appreciation and approval.
Prime Minister Wang stroked his beard, his eyes shining with wisdom as he spoke slowly, "Li Muyang's performance in the assessment is obvious to all. He is quick-witted, has unique insights, and has a profound understanding and grasp of national affairs. He also has a heart that cares about the world. Perhaps he can truly bring a new atmosphere to the Tang Dynasty and usher in a prosperous and flourishing new era."
When the eldest Prince Li Xuan and the second Prince Li Rui heard the news, their hearts were filled with resentment and anger, as if a blazing flame was almost about to devour them.
Li Xuan was straightforward and had a hot temper. The moment he heard the result, his face turned ashen, his fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white due to the force he exerted, and the veins on his forehead bulging. He punched the table and roared, "This throne should have been mine. What right does that young lad have!" I have painstakingly cultivated in this court for many years and devoted so much effort to the struggle for the throne. How could he just take it away so easily like this!
Li Rui, on the other hand, was relatively composed, but there was also a glint of unwillingness in his eyes, like a cold star twinkling in the night sky, exuding a hint of chill. He thought to himself, "I have been in the imperial court for many years, made friends with many powerful forces, and have a certain prestige in the court. I mustn't just give up the throne like this. I must find a way to prevent him from ascending the throne."
So, Li Xuan and Li Rui began to secretly plan, attempting to prevent Li Muyang from ascending the throne. First, they spread rumors in the imperial court that Li Muyang was weak in character, lacked decisiveness, was unable to handle the complex and ever-changing situation in the imperial court, and was not up to the responsibility of being the monarch of the country.
Then, they also managed to win over some ministers who were dissatisfied with Li Muyang. Some of these ministers questioned Li Muyang's age, while others did so because they had intricate interest ties with Li Xuan and Li Rui. They formed an alliance in the court, attempting to create chaos at the enthronement ceremony to prevent Li Muyang from ascending the throne smoothly.
After learning about the actions of his two elder brothers, Li Muyang did not panic. He was well aware that the challenges he faced were huge, but he had a firm belief and determination in his heart.
On the one hand, he secretly arranged for his confidants to enhance the security of the imperial palace, increase the number of patrolling guards, and closely monitor all the entrances and exits as well as important places of the palace to ensure the safety of the enthronement ceremony.
On the other hand, he took the initiative to visit those ministers who had been courted by Li Xuan and Li Rui and had heart-to-heart talks with them. His words were earnest and his attitude sincere. He elaborated in detail on his governance philosophy and plans for the future of the Tang Dynasty, painting a beautiful blueprint of prosperity and flourishing. This made many ministers change their views on him and express their willingness to support him one after another.
The day before the coronation ceremony, Li Xuan and Li Rui decided to take a desperate risk. They bribed the eunuch in charge of the enthronement ceremony, preparing to damage the jade seal during the ceremony. The jade seal was a symbol of imperial power. Once it was damaged, the enthronement ceremony could not proceed normally.
However, their plan was discovered by Li Muyang's informants. Li Muyang immediately ordered the arrest of the eunuch and strengthened the protection of the jade seal, arranging for several highly skilled guards to guard it day and night.
On the day of the enthronement ceremony, the imperial palace was decorated with lanterns and streamers, and was extremely lively. Huge red lanterns were hung high, and the red silk was gently fluttering in the breeze. The entire palace seemed to be submerged in a festive red ocean.
Li Muyang was dressed in a magnificent dragon robe, with lifelike golden dragons embroidered on it, shining with golden light under the sunlight. Wearing a crown on the head, the crown is inlaid with brilliant gemstones, shining brightly. Surrounded by the crowd, he walked with steady and determined steps towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony slowly.
Li Xuan and Li Rui mingled in the crowd, still pondering their final plan in their hearts. A hint of madness and reluctance was revealed in their eyes.
Just as Li Muyang was about to ascend the throne, Li Xuan suddenly rushed out. He held a sharp dagger in his hand, his eyes brimming with murderous intent, and lunged at Li Muyang.
Meanwhile, Li Rui was also directing his men to create chaos among the crowd. They shouted loudly and pushed the people around them, and the scene immediately fell into chaos.
However, Li Muyang was already on guard. The guards beside him quickly shielded him in the middle, forming a solid human wall, and engaged in a fierce battle with Li Xuan and the others. The guards were all highly skilled and well-trained. They brandished the weapons in their hands and engaged in a fierce battle with Li Xuan's men. For a moment, the flashes of swords and the cries of battle were deafening.
Li Muyang stood still, his expression calm. He shouted loudly, "Two elder brothers, stop!" The throne is not a plaything for us brothers to compete for; it is to bring benefits to the people of the Tang Dynasty. We are all princes of the Tang Dynasty, shouldering the heavy responsibility of rejuvenating the country. Only when we work together with one heart can the Tang Dynasty thrive and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Why kill each other for this throne and let the whole world laugh at you?
When Li Xuan and Li Rui heard Li Muyang's words, their hearts stirred slightly and their movements paused for a moment. But at this point, they were already in a dilemma. The resentment and unwillingness in their hearts made it impossible for them to let go easily, so they could only continue to resist.
Just when the situation was at a stalemate, Li Yi arrived with a troop of imperial guards. Although Li Yi was physically weak and had a pale complexion, he still held himself up, his eyes revealing determination and resolve. He rode a tall steed, holding a long spear, charged into the battlefield and shouted loudly, "Stop it all!"
The imperial guards were well-trained and quickly joined the battle, fighting side by side with Li Muyang's guards.
With the joint efforts of everyone, Li Xuan and Li Rui's conspiracy was completely shattered. Their subordinates were subdued one after another, and Li Xuan and Li Rui were also captured on the spot.
Li Muyang walked up to Li Xuan and Li Rui, looking at their disheveled appearance, and felt a mixture of emotions in his heart. His eyes were filled with both anger and helplessness, but more with heartache and regret.
He said, "Two elder brothers, things have come to this point. Out of brotherly love, I won't make things difficult for you." I only hope that you can let go of the resentment in your hearts and work together for the future of the Tang Dynasty. The prosperity and strength of the Tang Dynasty require our joint efforts. Only when we brothers unite as one can the Tang Dynasty stand firm in the world and enable the people to live a happy and healthy life.
Li Xuan and Li Rui lowered their heads and remained silent. Their hearts were filled with remorse and guilt.
After a long while, they raised their heads, looked into Li Muyang's determined eyes, and nodded slowly. The resentment and reluctance in their eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a hint of relief and hope for the future.
Under the witness of all, Li Muyang finally ascended the throne smoothly. He sat on the throne, which symbolized supreme power, looking at the ministers and common people below, his heart filled with a sense of mission.
From this moment on, he will shoulder the future of the Tang Dynasty, and every decision he makes will affect the fate of this country. He gazed into the distance, his gaze firm and profound, as if he could see the prosperous and flourishing scene of the Tang Dynasty in the future.
He also firmly believes that as long as everyone works together with one heart, the Tang Dynasty will surely embrace an even more glorious future and create an unprecedented era of prosperity.