sjar Chapter 1184 Li Che Returns to the Capital (Part 1)
Chapter 1184 Li Che Returns to the Capital (Part 1)
The atmosphere on the streets of Beijing today is different from usual.
Squads of armored soldiers patrolled the streets, their steps precise and their armor clattering softly.
On the watchtowers of each market town, there were twice as many soldiers on duty as usual, their eyes scanning the streets and alleys warily.
The Imperial Guards moved through the crowd, their flying fish robes shimmering in the sunlight.
They didn't disturb the people on the street; they just watched and walked quietly.
Some commoners stood at the entrance of the teahouse, watching the spectacle, and couldn't help but tug at the sleeve of the person next to them:
"Hey, what's going on today? Our capital hasn't been on such high alert in years."
The man turned around, his face showing a look of astonishment:
"You didn't know? His Majesty is returning to the capital!"
"Huh?" The commoner's eyes widened. "His Majesty is returning to the capital? How come I didn't hear any news about it?"
The man rolled up his sleeves smugly, lowering his voice, but couldn't hide his boastful spirit:
"That's because His Majesty is low-key and doesn't want to disturb the people, so he didn't make a big fuss."
"However, my uncle was a Jinshi in the previous imperial examination and is now an official in the court. He received the news a long time ago and mentioned it to me when we were drinking yesterday."
The person who asked the question cupped their hands in greeting: "You're really well-informed."
Suddenly, a head popped up beside us, looking completely bewildered.
"What? His Majesty isn't in the capital?"
The two of them turned to look at him, momentarily at a loss for words.
The man, feeling awkward under her gaze, shrank back and muttered softly, "I thought His Majesty had been in the palace the whole time..."
It's not entirely his fault.
During the two years that Li Che was away from the capital, the court did what it was supposed to do: the cabinet drafted proposals, the six ministries carried them out, and the Prince of Yan approved them under his supervision. Everything was in good order.
There was no curfew, no martial law, and no Imperial Guards arresting people everywhere.
People went to work and did business as usual, and life went on as normal.
Over time, many people have forgotten that the person on the dragon throne has not been in the palace for two years.
This shows that Daqing's cabinet system is beginning to show results, and it can function even without Li Che.
As for the Prince of Yan, who was in charge of the country, he has kept such a low profile in the past two years that he is almost invisible.
He did not seize power or flaunt his influence; he simply kept the reins of the court taut, neither letting it loosen nor break.
As a result, some people believed that the emperor was still alive.
Now, this Prince Yan has also learned that the Emperor is about to return to the capital.
. . . . . .
At noon, the city gates were opened wide.
The Embroidered Uniform Guards and the Imperial Guards had already formed two lines outside the gate, with Ren Kuan and Feng Gong each leading their respective lines at the front.
Both men had solemn expressions and kept their eyes straight ahead, only occasionally exchanging a glance.
Subsequently, civil and military officials arrived in procession.
The ministers and vice ministers of the six ministries, the commanders of various armies and divisions, and the officials of various government offices all filed out and stood in order on both sides of the city gate.
They stood in a large, imposing mass, their court robes bright and their hats and belts neatly arranged.
Finally, a figure in a prince's robe slowly walked to the front of the procession.
It was none other than Prince Li Lin of Yan.
Behind Li Lin were several teenagers.
Those were the princes and their companions, the oldest being only ten years old, and the youngest still being held in Huai En's arms.
All the ministers wore expressions of joy.
His Majesty's return to the capital has finally put my mind at ease after two years of worry.
Only the Prince of Yan had a frosty expression.
His face was taut, his lips were downturned, and his gaze was fixed on the official road outside the city gate, as if he wanted to stare a hole through it.
Two years!
Two years!!!
Do you know how you've gotten through the past two years?
That bastard, the sixth brother, just patted his behind and left, saying he was entrusting Fourth Brother with all the affairs of the capital.
Good heavens, a trust?! Is that really a trust?
That's getting rid of a burden!
Although he didn't have to personally handle every matter, large and small in the capital, the sheer number of memorials meant that just reading them once a day would take several hours.
When the cabinet's draft proposals were submitted, he wanted to review them; when there were disputes among the six ministries, he wanted to mediate; when envoys from foreign vassal states arrived, he wanted to receive them; and when the princes needed to study, he wanted to intervene.
He, a prince who rose to power through military prowess, managed to live like a half-emperor!
How long has it been since I last went hunting?
How long has it been since you last went out for a night of drinking and partying?
How long has it been since you had a full night's sleep?
The sixth brother heard that he had traveled around enjoying the scenery, seeing the misty rain of Jiangnan and the landscape of Lingnan, and had even married a princess!
He married another one!
Li Lin took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in his chest.
As a prince regent, he didn't need to come to greet him personally, but he couldn't help himself.
The sooner you hand over this responsibility of regent, the sooner you can be free.
. . . . . .
Before long, smoke and dust began to rise in the distance.
A rider galloped in at breakneck speed, his hooves thundering like drums. He reined in his horse before the officials, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and proclaimed loudly:
"His Majesty's entourage has arrived ten miles away!"
The ministers were invigorated and quickly straightened their clothes and adjusted their positions.
Li Lin remained motionless, but his taut jaw tightened even more.
A moment later, at the end of the official road, the dragon flag appeared and disappeared.
The dark flag fluttered in the autumn wind, drawing ever closer.
Closely following behind were the Xuanjia cavalry, a dark mass that surged forward like a tide.
They slowed down several miles from the city gate, lined up neatly, and remained completely silent.
In the center of the procession, a royal carriage slowly approached, surrounded by bodyguards in full armor.
At the city gates of the capital, everyone held their breath.
As the carriage drew closer, Li Che did not sit inside.
He rode on his horse, while Black Wind strolled leisurely, as if taking a walk in his own backyard.
He was dressed in a black casual outfit with a cloak over it, his face showing both a touch of travel weariness and a hint of a smile.
"The capital city."
"Your emperor has returned."
The first thing that catches the eye is Li Lin.
This elder brother is now in his thirties. In the two years since I last saw him, his beard has grown longer and is neatly trimmed. Combined with his taut face, he really does look like a steady and mature prince.
But that look in his eyes...
Li Che blinked.
Something was off about his eyes.
How should I put it? It's like they're holding something back, or like they're plotting something.
Li Lin stared straight at him, his gaze sharp as ice blades, making Li Che feel uneasy. He subconsciously looked away, not daring to meet Li Lin's eyes.
Is it really necessary? It's only been two years.
Li Che silently grumbled to himself, then quickly shifted his gaze to the side.
The princes stood behind Li Lin, lined up in a row.
The prince at the head of the group was the tallest and had the straightest posture. Standing among a group of teenagers, he looked like a crane among chickens.
His eldest son, Li Cheng, is nine years old this year.
The child looks like me, with sword-like eyebrows, a high nose, and thin lips; he already has a touch of heroism at such a young age.
His physique was inherited from his mother's family of generals; his straight spine gave him an imposing presence.
He's only nine years old, but he looks like a teenager.
As Li Che watched, a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.
Standing next to Li Cheng was Li Yue, his eldest daughter, who was a few months younger than him. She was looking at him with a look of surprise and delight, her eyes crinkling into two crescent moons, her little face beaming with undisguised joy.
Two years have passed, and the child has become even more fair-skinned, as white as a porcelain doll, making one want to reach out and pinch his cheeks.
Li Hao stood beside Li Yue, and he was the one who had changed the most.
Li Che remembered that when he left the capital, this kid was a chubby little boy who would pant after walking just a few steps.
Now, he does look thinner, much thinner. His face is less fleshy, and his arms and legs look more toned.
But his face still had that same honest and simple look, grinning and looking a bit silly.
The youngest one, holding hands with Huai En, stood at the very back.
Li Tong.
This child was born the year Li Che left the capital, and was born to Consort Yan. He should be over two years old now.
The little one, dressed in a brand-new little robe, was half-held and half-carried by Huai En, his bright black eyes gazing curiously in their direction.
I don't know if he remembers his father, the emperor; he probably doesn't.
Li Che's gaze swept across the children's faces, his eyes softening little by little.
He dismounted with a swift and decisive motion, his black cloak billowing behind him.
All the officials bowed in unison, raised their court tablets high, and their voices rang out in unison:
"Greetings, Your Majesty! We warmly welcome Your Majesty's return from your southern tour!"
Li Che stopped and his gaze swept over the group of familiar faces.
For two years, these veteran officials have remained loyal and steadfast, standing guard over this capital for him.
"No gift."
After everyone straightened up, Li Che suddenly straightened his robes and solemnly bowed deeply to all the officials.
"During my absence, I have been fortunate to have the support of you all in managing affairs in the capital."
This bow stunned everyone present.
Immediately, the officials stepped aside, not daring to accept the bow, and the scene became somewhat chaotic.
Even Li Lin temporarily forgot about settling scores with Li Che and stepped aside.
The emperor performed the ceremony out of benevolence and righteousness, but who would dare to accept such a gesture?
Li Che straightened up and walked up to Li Lin with a smile: "Thank you very much, Fourth Brother."
Her voice clearly carried a hint of ingratiation.
Li Lin gritted his teeth, his lips twitched, and he forced out a respectful expression, bowing as he said:
"Your Majesty is serious!"
The sound, squeezed out from between the teeth, sounded like someone sharpening a knife.
Seeing his conflicted expression, Li Che couldn't help but give him an awkward but polite smile.
He clearly had a lot to say and wanted to curse, but he had to put on a show in front of the entire court. His face was almost contorted with rage. It seems I'll have to put in a lot of effort to coax him later.
He kept thinking to himself and walked straight up to the princes.
Li Cheng stepped forward and respectfully cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
Behind them, Li Yue, Li Hao, and several younger children also cupped their hands in a gesture of respect, following suit.
Li Che looked down at his eldest son. The nine-year-old boy stood straight, his gaze clear and upright, and his posture of bowing was meticulous.
He reached out and patted the little head.
“My son has grown up and can now share his father’s burdens.”
Li Cheng was taken aback when he was photographed, then grinned and revealed a sincere smile.
Li Che smiled, but the princes didn't react.
In contrast, the officials remained outwardly calm, but their eyes began to exchange glances.
His Majesty's words, spoken in front of the entire court and all the princes, carry profound significance.
What worries should we share? Naturally, we should share the worries of the nation and its people!
The position of crown prince is likely to be decided.