Datang: Rebirth of Li Chengqian, the beginning of the treason interrogation

Chapter 70: Martial Temple Sacrifice and Establishment of War Spirit

As night fell, the lights in the East Palace gradually went out, as if swallowed by darkness, leaving a desolate scene. The light between heaven and earth gradually dimmed, leaving only the faint moonlight and starlight to embellish it.

On the streets of Chang'an, the hustle and bustle of the day gradually disappeared, replaced by tranquility and peace. Every household closed their doors and lights were turned off one by one.

The darkness spread like a tide, swallowing up everything. The entire Chang'an City fell into silence, with only a few weak lights swaying in the autumn wind, seemingly stubbornly resisting the erosion of darkness, but they seemed so fragile that they could be swallowed by the darkness at any time.

After endless prosperity, there is endless darkness. This scene seems to hint at the future fate of Chang'an City.

All prosperity fades into nothingness.

Li Chengqian opened his eyes, revealing a hint of caution and prudence. He gently moved his body to loosen up his muscles, but his movements were very gentle, fearing to disturb the beautiful woman who was sleeping beside him.

A faint smile could be vaguely seen on Su Fei's pretty face, as if she was immersed in endless happiness. Her expression was peaceful and satisfied, making people feel pity for her.

Outside the palace, the dim lights flickered, as if foreshadowing that the darkness before dawn was about to pass. Faintly, footsteps could be heard approaching, and those were the palace maids who had woken up early to serve.

Today is the day of the grand sacrifice in the Temple of Martial Arts. All civil and military officials, and even soldiers from the border troops, have rushed to the Temple of Martial Arts. This is a grand sacrificial ceremony, and the emperor will be present in person.

"Keep your voice down!"

Li Chengqian gave instructions softly, signaling the palace maids to open the palace door carefully so as not to wake up Concubine Su who was in a deep sleep.

It was early in the morning of October, before the sky was completely bright, but the square of the Temple of War was already crowded with civil and military officials.

They lined up neatly, solemnly, waiting for the sacrificial ceremony to begin.

Faced with this huge palace that was built in just one month, everyone exclaimed in amazement, wondering how this miracle of nature was completed.

Further away, there were crowds of people, including people from Chang'an and visitors from other places.

Everyone was shocked by this sudden miracle.

"Xu Pushe, how was this Martial Temple built?"

Changsun Wuji could hardly suppress his surprise and asked Xu Jingzong who was standing beside him.

When it was being built, no one was allowed to enter or leave the Temple at will. The goal was to create explosive news so that the news about the Temple would spread faster and further.

“And so it was built!”

Xu Jingzong couldn't explain it either, but he was equally shocked to see the Martial Temple being built like this through corvee labor.

"It's neither jade, nor stone, nor soil!" Chu Suiliang tapped the pillar gently with his hand, full of questions. Although he was knowledgeable, he couldn't tell what it was.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said that this is called cement!" Xu Jingzong said with his head held high. Now he could establish his authority in front of these people.

cement?

Everyone looked at each other in confusion.

“What is cement?”

“Never heard of it!”

"Can this thing really replace stone?"

"It seems harder than stone!"

Everyone started talking about it, full of curiosity and confusion about this new building material.

Xu Jingzong smiled proudly: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said that this cement is a new type of building material that can be used to build city walls, bridges and palaces." "His Majesty has arrived!"

Following the eunuch's loud shout, the originally noisy scene suddenly became quiet. Everyone shut their mouths and didn't even dare to breathe, for fear of offending the emperor.

Everyone's eyes turned and fell on Li Shimin, who was wearing a dragon robe. He was the focus of everyone's attention at this moment, as if he was the only existence in the world.

Li Shimin walked up the stairs with his head held high and chest puffed out, a confident smile on his face, and walked forward with steady steps. Each step was firm and powerful, displaying the unparalleled majesty of an emperor.

Li Chengqian, who was half a body length behind Li Shimin, naturally became the focus of everyone's attention.

His figure was tall and straight, his steps were vigorous and powerful, like a dragon and a tiger, exuding a unique aura. This aura was not deliberately created, but was revealed naturally, and it was also the aura of a superior.

"Who is that person? Why is he so imposing? He even seems to be able to compete with the Heavenly Khan."

"Who else could it be except the prince?"

"Didn't they say the prince is a cripple?"

"Don't you want to live? How can you believe the rumors? You still don't believe it now that you have seen it."

At this time, the crowd began to discuss quietly. Although the voices were not loud, they were clearly heard by some people.

The Temple of Martial Arts is tall and majestic, towering into the clouds, like a majestic giant, standing between heaven and earth. Its magnificence and majesty are shocking, as if it is connected to the sky. People standing in front of it seem so small, as insignificant as ants.

There are two huge stone statues carved outside the temple gate. They are lifelike and fierce. These stone statues are shaped like tigers. They are the mythical beasts Bi'an, which represent the meaning of protection. They watch quietly.

Li Shimin climbed up the high steps and turned back to look at the ministers neatly arranged at his feet, forming a spectacular scene. He lowered his head and looked down at the mountains, rivers, land and people.

"salute!"

A loud shout rang out, and all the officials and common people knelt down and kowtowed to pay respect to Li Shimin. Li Chengqian also stood behind Li Shimin, accepting the worship of the people together.

A sense of heroism surged in Li Shimin's heart. He raised his hands above his head, signaling the people to stand up. He scanned the crowd in front of him, his eyes flashing with confidence and pride.

These are his subjects, and this is his kingdom.

"The auspicious time has arrived, burn incense and worship the heavens!"

A eunuch walked over slowly, bowed slightly, and respectfully handed the burning incense to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin took the burning incense, his eyes sparkling with piety. Holding the burning incense in his hand, his face solemn and serious, he walked step by step towards the huge bronze tripod in the center of the square.

Lifelike mythical beasts, Suanni, are carved on the walls of the bronze tripod. They hold their heads high, chests puffed out, and bar their fangs and claws, as if they are about to leap out of the walls of the tripod, giving the entire sacrificial scene a mysterious and solemn veil.

"Burn the watch and go to heaven!"

Then, Li Shimin took out a piece of yellow cloth from his sleeve and burned it in the incense burner.

Except Li Shimin, no one knew what was recorded in it.

The whole process was extremely solemn.

Sacrifice holds an important place in people’s hearts. They believe that it is a way to communicate with the gods in heaven and can bring them blessings.

All the people looked solemn and prayed silently in their hearts.

(End of this chapter)