My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 428 The Crown Prince's Reform
East Palace.

It took Li Chengqian three days to barely get a general look through all the various official documents from the court.

It wasn't just the statistics sent by Fang Xuanling, but also the information from the Six Ministries.

The imperial court is a very simple term, but in the context of the Tang Dynasty, it was not so simple.

Moreover, this is the whole world.

How big was the world? According to later statistics, it was 1237 million square kilometers, which is 277 million square kilometers more than the 960 million square kilometers of the world in later times.

To the east, this includes the entire Liaodong region, which later became the Korean Peninsula.

Further south, including the Jiaozhou region, it was under the jurisdiction of Lingnan Dao. Although it was not the entire territory of later Vietnam, it was basically the same.

To the west, it reached the Aral Sea in Central Asia, where the Anxi Protectorate was established to govern the Western Regions and parts of Central Asia.

To the north, the Eastern and Western Turks were largely subjugated, and the area including Lake Baikal and its surroundings was governed by the Shanyu Protectorate.

This was the glorious Tang Dynasty, the center of the world and the center of civilization, encompassing almost the entire East Asian region.

Even regions not included in the list of subjects still had to submit to the Tang Dynasty.

And now, this 'world' is under Li Chengqian's control.

The question we need to consider now is how to control it.

After understanding the general situation, Li Chengqian had a preliminary idea.

"Summon Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji to an audience."

The decree from the Crown Prince's Palace was relayed to the capital, and Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling immediately rushed over.

"Greetings to Your Highness."

Regardless of what happened before, the Crown Prince has now won, and from now on, the Crown Prince will be in charge of the court.

This is not an ordinary traditional succession, but rather the Xuanwu Gate succession system, making Li Chengqian's status and position unshakeable.

In other words, the current court is a one-man show by the crown prince. No matter how absurd the order is, everyone has no choice but to carry it out.

Not to mention Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji, even the usually imposing remonstrating officials in the court have been extremely cautious lately.

Li Shimin was "open to advice," which is why he had the extraordinary position of the remonstrance officials.

But would a crown prince who uses cannons to open the Xuanwu Gate and ascends to the throne through the Xuanwu Gate Succession Law of the Tang Dynasty listen to the advice of the remonstrating officials, just like his father and grandfather?

As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean, but the Crown Prince hasn't made any moves yet.

In the eyes of the officials, this was just waiting for someone to jump out and make an example of them.

The Crown Prince climbed up the Xuanwu Gate, stepping over tens of thousands of corpses. How many officials were there in the entire court? They probably wouldn't be enough for the Crown Prince to kill.

Therefore, Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji dared not act arrogantly in front of the Crown Prince.

And they were previously His Majesty's party.

"What are your instructions, Your Highness?"

Relatively speaking, Changsun Wuji had it easier. After all, he was the Crown Prince's uncle and Empress Changsun was his sister. Even if he was removed from the court, he could still maintain his wealth and status for life.

Moreover, he was a representative of the Guanlong aristocratic families, which, in a sense, belonged to the princeling faction.

When dealing with the powerful clans of Guanzhong, we can't just let the five surnames and seven clans enter the inner circle.

Li Chengqian sat at his desk, his fingers lightly tapping the map on it, his gaze sweeping over the densely packed markings of prefectures and counties. Seeing the two men bow in greeting, he raised his hand to indicate, "Uncle, Prime Minister Fang, no need for such formalities, please sit."

After the two men were seated, Li Chengqian got straight to the point: "Both of you are important ministers who assist in governing the country. These past few days, I have been reviewing documents from various departments and have an idea in mind. I invited you two here today to discuss it with you."

Fang Xuanling cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, please speak. We are all ready to listen."

Li Chengqian pointed to the location of Lingnan Road with his fingertips.

"The Tang Dynasty had a territory of tens of thousands of miles and hundreds of prefectures, but the officials in the court were stretched thin."

“Take Lingnan Circuit for example. It has more than forty prefectures under its jurisdiction, but only one military commissioner is in charge of it. The prefects of each prefecture have to manage civil affairs, military affairs, and deal with barbarian affairs. They are overwhelmed and their policies are often slow to be implemented.”

Changsun Wuji frowned slightly: "Your Highness means... to promote some officials?"

Li Chengqian said with certainty, "Not only should we increase the number of officials, but we should also increase the number of departments."

"While the existing six ministries can oversee the overall situation, they are unable to effectively manage specific local affairs. In my opinion, we should establish dedicated agencies to handle specific matters."

He got up and walked to the map, picked up a pen and circled on it: "For example, the Grand Canal is currently managed by the Department of Finance under the Ministry of Revenue. However, the Grand Canal connects the north and south, and millions of shi of grain are transported every year. The coordination of affairs among the prefectures along the canal is complicated. Therefore, a 'Grand Canal Transport Administration' should be established to be in charge of the scheduling of the Grand Canal, the repair of the canal, and the management of the granaries."

A hint of surprise flashed in Fang Xuanling's eyes. He stroked his beard and pondered, "Setting up new government offices requires hiring more officials, and the national treasury's expenditure will likely be..."

Li Chengqian interrupted him, his tone resolute: "Expenses are secondary; efficiency is fundamental."

"If there is a shortage of officials, then we should broaden the civil service examinations and increase the number of candidates; talented local officials can also be promoted without regard to seniority. What I want is for everyone to perform their duties, rather than for one person to hold multiple positions and ultimately accomplish nothing."

Changsun Wuji sensed the shift in tone and tentatively asked, "Does Your Highness's words perhaps involve military and political matters?"

Li Chengqian turned around, his gaze sharp as a knife: "Exactly."

"Nowadays, the governors of each prefecture are in charge of both civil administration and military power. This seems efficient, but in reality, it poses endless hidden dangers. Once local powers become too powerful and difficult to control, they will become the source of chaos."

He walked to the marker on the northern border and said in a deep voice, "The Anxi Protectorate and the Shanyu Protectorate are border areas where military and political affairs are combined, which is necessary in wartime. But now that the country is at peace, we should change course. I intend to promote the separation of military and political affairs, with the governors of each prefecture in charge of civil administration, taxation, and education, and separate commandants to manage the local garrisons. They will not be subordinate to each other and will each perform their own duties."

Fang Xuanling's expression changed slightly: "Your Highness, this move may shake the foundation of the country. Since the Sui Dynasty, the governor of a prefecture has also held military power. This sudden change may cause turmoil."

Li Chengqian sneered: "Turbulence?"

"I'd like to see where there will be unrest."

"The Tang Dynasty's territory now far exceeds that of the past. If we do not clarify the responsibilities of the military and government, are we going to wait until the border generals become powerful and repeat the mistakes of previous dynasties?" Changsun Wuji was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. However, this matter has far-reaching implications and must be handled step by step. Why not start with a pilot program in Guannei Circuit and Henan Circuit, and then promote it nationwide after it proves effective?"

Li Chengqian nodded: "Uncle is right. This matter will be handled by the two of you. Xuanling will take the lead in formulating the plan for increasing the number of government offices, and Uncle will be responsible for drafting the regulations for the separation of military and political affairs. I need to see the specific regulations within a month."

After a pause, Li Chengqian continued, "In addition, regarding the regulations for adding government offices and officials, we shall inform the six ministries and have each submit a proposal, which shall be submitted in batches within seven days."

"I will personally review it at that time."

Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji exchanged a glance, both seeing solemnity in each other's eyes.

Once this reform is implemented, the entire bureaucratic system of the Tang Dynasty will undergo tremendous changes. However, they also understand that the Crown Prince's new policies will definitely involve some actions, and in many ways, a reshuffling of power.

The saying goes, "A new emperor brings a new court," and it's clear that the crown prince intends to consolidate power through reforms.

"Your Majesty, we obey." The two men rose to receive the order.

The news that the Crown Prince wanted to establish more government offices and expand the ranks of officials swept through the entire capital like a whirlwind, causing an uproar throughout the court.

Inside the Ministry of Personnel, several senior officials surrounded Minister Hou Junji, their brows furrowed in worry. "Minister Hou, His Highness the Crown Prince intends to completely overturn His Majesty's policies on governance."

A physician with a goatee said urgently, "His Majesty has been pushing for a reduction in officials, eliminating nearly 30% of redundant clerks, which has made the various departments operate more efficiently. Now Your Highness wants to increase the number of officials, isn't this just heading down the path of redundant officials?"

Hou Junji snorted coldly: "Stop talking nonsense. The Crown Prince has just taken control of the court; this move must have a deeper meaning. However..."

"Your Majesty promoted streamlining because after the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, everything was in ruins and the national treasury was empty, so it could not support so many officials. But now the Tang Dynasty is in its golden age, with a vast territory, so naturally more people are needed to manage affairs."

There was even more discussion at the Ministry of Revenue. The head of the Department of Revenue was busy calculating on his abacus, and said to Minister Dai Zhou, "Minister Dai, if we establish a new Grand Canal Transport Office, the annual expenditure on officials' salaries and government office repairs alone will amount to hundreds of thousands of strings of cash. In addition, with the expansion of the imperial examination system and the doubling of salaries for officials in various regions, I'm afraid the national treasury will not be able to support it."

Dai Zhou stroked his beard and pondered, "You only know one side of the story. The Crown Prince wants to promote the separation of military and political affairs, with the commanders of each prefecture in charge of the garrison troops. This might save a lot on military expenditures. Moreover, with more officials, local governance will be better, and tax revenue will naturally increase. However, in the short term, the pressure on the national treasury will certainly be considerable."

Inside the Censorate, several remonstrating officials were even more restless. Back then, Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) readily accepted advice and granted them extremely high positions. Now, facing this crown prince who had ascended the throne using cannons, they wanted to offer their advice, yet they feared offending the emperor.

"Gentlemen, although the Crown Prince's move has the intention of reform, it goes against His Majesty's policies."

An elderly remonstrating official said with concern, “Your Majesty often says that the quality of officials is more important than the quantity. Now that so many new offices and officials have been added, it is inevitable that there will be buck-passing and shirking of responsibility, which will only affect the administration of the government.”

Another, younger, advisor had a different view: "But then again, the territory of the Tang Dynasty has expanded considerably since the late emperor's reign, and the official staff of that time is indeed inadequate to cope with the current situation. Take the Anxi Protectorate, for example. It governs dozens of prefectures, but there are only a handful of officials in charge, and many affairs are piling up and no one is handling them."

In the imperial court, the officials' discussions grew louder, with various voices mingling together. Some supported the Crown Prince's reforms, believing them to be in line with the times; others adhered to His Majesty's policies, fearing that the reforms would cause unrest and that the reign of Zhenguan should continue.

The next day, several elderly remonstrating officials stepped forward. They were going to the Eastern Palace to persuade His Highness the Crown Prince to rescind his decision.

They naturally prepared a lot of arguments in this regard.

Many officials from various departments in the capital were watching. From another perspective, this was a test of the Crown Prince by the officials, especially the remonstrating officials, who wanted to know the Crown Prince's attitude towards the current group of remonstrating officials.

At the gate of the East Palace, several old remonstrating officials stormed in angrily.

The leading remonstrating official was clutching a copy of "Essentials of Governance in the Zhenguan Era," and it seemed he was about to have a serious discussion with the Crown Prince.

"Where is His Highness the Crown Prince? We have urgent matters to report!"

The voices of several remonstrating officials echoed outside the East Palace Hall, carrying an unquestionable air of authority.

At this moment, Li Chengqian was looking at a map inside the palace when he heard the commotion outside. A cold smile appeared on his lips.

He gave a wink to the guards beside him: "Take these people down."

The guards obeyed and immediately rushed out. Before the men could react, they were pinned to the ground.

"How dare you! We are officials appointed by the imperial court and we wish to see His Highness the Crown Prince!"

The remonstrating officials struggled and roared.

The guards ignored his shouts, tied them up, and took them into the main hall.

Li Chengqian slowly turned around, his gaze fixed intently on the several senior officials who had been brought in, and said coldly, "How dare you make a scene outside the Eastern Palace? Do you intend to force the abdication?"

The old remonstrating official glared at Li Chengqian: "Your Highness, you are mistaken! We only wish to persuade Your Highness to retract your decree and not to go against His Majesty's policy. How can this be considered a coup?"

"Where did this talk of forcing the emperor to abdicate come from?" Li Chengqian sneered and walked up to the remonstrating officials: "Your loud noises outside the Eastern Palace and your disruption of the Eastern Palace's order are the first issue."

"Secondly, you are holding the 'Essentials of Governance in the Zhenguan Era' and using His Majesty's name to coerce me, attempting to make me change my mind and issue decrees from morning to evening. Isn't this a coup?"

"Thirdly, there is much discussion in the court right now, yet you have gathered together and stormed into the Eastern Palace. It is clear that you intend to incite the officials, which is an even greater crime of forcing the emperor to abdicate!"

As soon as Li Chengqian finished speaking, the faces of the others turned ashen.

They never expected that their mere intention to offer advice would lead to them being accused of plotting a coup.

"Your Highness, we are innocent!" an old minister cried out. "We only wanted to persuade Your Highness out of loyalty to the Tang Dynasty!"

"Loyalty?" Li Chengqian sneered. "If you were truly loyal, you would understand that times have changed, and policies should be adjusted accordingly. Your Majesty implemented the streamlining of officials because of the needs of the country at that time. But now the Tang Dynasty has a vast territory and numerous affairs, so increasing the number of government offices and officials is a move in line with the times. Yet you insist on sticking to the old system and obstructing reform. Is this what you call loyalty?"

"Moreover, by gathering together, storming into the Eastern Palace, and making a huge fuss, you clearly disregard me as the Crown Prince and are challenging the imperial authority!"

Li Chengqian's tone grew increasingly stern: "This is not remonstrance, it is a coup!"

The men tried to explain, but Li Chengqian interrupted them: "No need for further explanation! Guards, throw these men into the imperial prison and punish them for forcing the emperor to abdicate!"

The guards stepped forward again and dragged the remonstrating officials away.

The news quickly spread throughout the capital, shocking all the officials. They hadn't expected the Crown Prince to be so forceful, punishing a few veteran ministers for forcing the emperor to abdicate simply because they offered advice.

The discussions in the court fell silent. Those officials who had originally wanted to oppose the reforms were too frightened to utter a sound.

They knew that the Crown Prince was making an example of someone to warn others; anyone who dared to obstruct the reforms would likely suffer the same fate as Xiao Yu and the others.

Many thoughtful officials returned to their government offices and began to diligently draft regulations for establishing additional offices, in response to the Crown Prince's decree.

(End of this chapter)