Under One Person: My Inner Realm Connects to All Worlds!

Chapter 281 Presenting Captives at the Imperial Ancestral Temple and Ascending the Throne

The World of Painting Rivers and Lakes: Bad Guys.

Several months later, in Chang'an.

As dawn broke through the clouds, golden light shone upon the newly renovated city walls of Chang'an.

Zhuque Avenue was cleaned with water and paved with yellow earth, stretching all the way to the majestic and solemn Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Countless citizens of Chang'an had already gathered on both sides of Zhuque Avenue. The streets were deserted, and soldiers stood in rows, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Before the Imperial Ancestral Temple, banners fluttered and the ceremonial guard was solemn. Civil and military officials and various feudal lords stood in order, dressed in solemn court attire, their expressions dignified.

Over the past few months, signs of a new dynasty have already begun to emerge.

Under Li Xingyun's iron fist and foresight, the military and political reforms were very effective. Although there were still undercurrents in the local warlords, they all obeyed the imperial court's orders on the surface, and the government's orders were carried out without hindrance.

After all, having witnessed the swift and decisive actions taken in Bianzhou and seen the young emperor's decisiveness and effectiveness in reforming officialdom and military administration over the past few months, no one dared to be negligent in the slightest.

The most exciting event was the great victory in northern Xinjiang.

The Khitan leader Yelü Abaoji and his wife Shuliduo, taking advantage of the recent pacification of the Central Plains, led their elite troops south to plunder, intending to recreate the scene of their past plundering of Youyun.

However, Li Xingyun personally deployed the Undying Army led by Bai Qi as the spearhead, and together with the allied forces of Qi, Jin and the surrendered vassal states, they were defeated in one fell swoop outside the Great Wall. Yelü Abaoji and Shuliduo were also captured alive.

Today is the day to present the captives at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, to offer sacrifices to the ancestors of the Li Tang dynasty and to demonstrate the majesty of Heaven.

The auspicious hour has arrived; bells and drums resound in unison.

The first thing that catches the eye is the enormous procession of prisoners being presented.

Escorted by elite imperial guards, the once invincible Khitan Khan Yelü Abaoji and his wife Shuliduo, dressed in plain clothes with white ribbons around their necks, walked with faltering steps.

Yelü Abaoji's face was ashen and his eyes were empty, while Shuliduo, though equally disheveled, still retained a trace of indelible arrogance deep in his lowered eyes.

Behind them were dejected Khitan nobles and captured generals.

When the procession reached the spacious square in front of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the escorting soldiers gave an order, and Yelü Abaoji, Shuliduo, and the other prisoners were forced to kneel on the ground, facing the majestic Imperial Ancestral Temple.

The Heavenly Sin Star Mirror Heart Demon, acting as the master of ceremonies, rang out in a high-pitched yet resonant voice: "Play the music—!"

Amidst the sounds of elegant music, Li Xingyun appeared at the top of the white marble steps of the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

He was not wearing the imperial robes, but rather a black robe with dragon patterns, yet his demeanor was dignified and imposing. Yuan Tiangang remained by his side, standing silently behind him, his gaze sweeping across the entire area from behind his mask to ensure everything went smoothly.

"Present a prisoner ceremony—!"

The Demon of the Mirror sings again.

The Minister of War stepped forward and loudly reported the great victory in the northern expedition against the Khitan, enumerating Yelü Abaoji's crimes of taking advantage of the internal strife in the Central Plains to invade the south and massacre the people.

His voice was loud and clear, echoing in the square, causing the kneeling Khitan prisoners to bury their heads even lower.

After the performance, Li Xingyun slowly stepped forward, faced the ancestral tablets in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, burned incense, and prayed, his voice clear and steady:
"Your subject, Xingyun, a descendant of the Li Tang dynasty, respectfully reports before the ancestral tablets: Thanks to the protection of our ancestors and the bravery of our soldiers, we have pacified the northern barbarians, the Khitan, and captured their chieftains Yelü Abaoji and Shuliduo here."

"Today we present this captive as a tribute to demonstrate Heaven's will, to comfort our fallen heroes, and to bring peace to the people. We humbly request your acceptance of this offering!"

The princes below the stage held their breath, their hearts filled with countless emotions.

King Meng Zhixiang of Shu secretly raised his eyes and looked at the young figure on the high platform. He saw that the young man was calm and composed and had a good command of the situation. He couldn’t help but sigh in his heart: “The style of Emperor Taizong has been reproduced in the world!”

The other feudal lords shared similar sentiments. Their last bit of resentment and bitterness stemming from the centralization of power quietly transformed into admiration and acceptance in the face of this magnificent ceremony and illustrious military achievements.

After the ceremony, Li Xingyun turned around and faced the assembled officials and prisoners.

“Khitan Khan Yelü Abaoji,” Li Xingyun said.

Yelü Abaoji trembled and fell to the ground, speechless.

"You are originally a people from beyond the borders of civilization. I cherish distant peoples and originally intended to live in peace with you. However, you listened to slander and sent your troops south, killing my people and plundering my wealth. Your crimes are beyond redemption!"

Li Xingyun's voice turned cold: "However, Heaven cherishes life, and I am not a bloodthirsty ruler. Considering that you ultimately surrendered and were spared further bloodshed, I have shown you great favor by bestowing upon you the title of Marquis of Guiyi and granting you a residence in Chang'an. I hope that you will repent and reform in the future, and live a peaceful and law-abiding life."

Yelü Abaoji suddenly looked up, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes, which then turned into a complex mix of gratitude and dejection. He kowtowed heavily, saying, "This sinful subject thanks Your Majesty for your divine grace! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Li Xingyun's gaze swept past Yelü Abaoji and landed on Shuliduo beside him. His eyes were slightly cold, but he did not say much. He simply said, "Take her away and keep a close watch on her."

"By imperial decree, the ceremony of presenting the captives is complete!"

The shrill voice of the Mirror Heart Demon echoed in all directions.

Mirror Heart Demon: Wangzai, this life has been worth it!

------

The next day, at Taiji Palace.

Before the Taiji Palace, the ceremonial guards were magnificent, and banners fluttered in the wind. Civil and military officials, members of the imperial family and nobles, and envoys from various vassal states lined up in order, stretching from inside the palace to the vast square outside. The ceremonial music was solemn, and bells and chimes rang out in unison.

Key figures such as Yuan Tiangang and Bai Qi stood at the front of the hall. Important princes such as Prince Qi, Shuiyun Ji, and Prince Jin, Li Siyuan, were also among them.

The auspicious hour has arrived, and the music of Shao begins.

Dressed in black robes and crimson skirts, wearing a twelve-tassel crown and a Longquan sword at his waist, Li Xingyun ascended the supreme throne step by step amidst solemn ceremonial music and the shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" from his thousands of subjects.

He ascended the throne, turned around, and faced his officials.

"kneel--"

The Master of Ceremonies sang loudly.

In an instant, inside and outside the Taiji Hall, everyone, including Yuan Tiangang, knelt down like a tide.

"Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"

The shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" shook the heavens and the earth, resounding through the clouds.

Li Xingyun sat on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the prostrate subjects at his feet. He slowly raised his hand, his voice clearly emanating from the crown, carrying the majesty of an emperor:
"Everyone is safe."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

All the officials rose and stood respectfully with their hands at their sides.

Yuan Tiangang stepped forward, holding the prepared edict of accession, and read it aloud to the crowd:

"You, Li Xingyun, inherit the legacy of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, wise and insightful, who saved the nation from collapse and brought peace to the people from suffering... Now, having received the Mandate of Heaven and in accordance with the will of the people, I respectfully ascend the throne in Chang'an, establishing the Tang Dynasty, changing the era name to 'Qianyuan,' and declaring the following year as the first year of Qianyuan. This is hereby proclaimed throughout the land, so that all may know!"

"Long live my emperor! Long live! Long live!"

Cheers erupted again, a wave of sound that swept across the entire palace.

The subsequent procedures of the coronation ceremony proceeded one by one, including the appointment of officials, the granting of a general amnesty, and so on. Now, the Tang Dynasty had finally been revived.

------

After the coronation ceremony, the Bad People's Office.

This place is located in an inconspicuous corner of Chang'an City. The gate is deserted, but the interior is heavily guarded and has a gloomy atmosphere.

Inside the main hall, the flickering candlelight illuminated the simple, even somewhat rough, furnishings. A map of the Tang Dynasty's territory and the unique insignia of the Bad Guys hung on the walls.

In the hall, a woman was forcibly forced to kneel on the ground.

Her hair was disheveled, and her clothes were torn in many places, revealing her snow-white skin and hideous wounds. She was none other than Princess Yelü Zhiwu of the Khitan.

At this moment, her vital acupoints were sealed by several thick, long golden needles, making it impossible for her to mobilize even a fraction of her powerful shamanic cultivation.

Two thugs guarded her, one on each side.

Both men wore sun hats, carried standard Tang-style swords at their waists, and had half-face armor covering only their mouths and noses. Their eyes were sharp as eagles.

Hearing footsteps, Yelü Zhiwu struggled to lift her head and saw the figure that filled her with endless fear enter—it was Yuan Tiangang. He was still dressed in civil and military robes and wearing that Senluo mask.

"The Bad Commander!"

Yelü Zhiwu screamed and tried to break free.

"Where are my father and mother? What have you done to them?!"

One of the thugs next to her snorted and kicked her in the back of the knee without any politeness, while another forcefully pressed her shoulder, slamming her cheek hard against the cold ground with a dull thud.

"Well……"

Yelü Zhiwu let out a muffled groan, feeling only humiliation and anger in her heart, her eyes fixed intently on Yuan Tiangang.

Yuan Tiangang's low, hoarse voice rang out with a hint of inexplicable laughter: "Hehe..."

He waved his hand: "Step down."

The two thugs bowed and silently retreated outside the door.

Yuan Tiangang slowly stepped forward, walked up to Yelü Zhiwu, put his hands behind his back, and looked down at her.

He did not answer her question immediately, but instead turned slightly to face the direction of the palace, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.
"His Majesty is benevolent and wise. He has issued an edict to confer the title of Marquis of Guiyi on your father, Yelü Abaoji, granting him a residence and a stipend. As long as he remains law-abiding and does not harbor any rebellious intentions, he can live out his remaining years in peace, happiness, wealth, and honor."

Upon hearing this, Yelü Zhiwu felt a slight relaxation in his tense nerves, knowing that at least his father's life had been saved.

However, Yuan Tiangang's tone immediately changed, becoming cold and oppressive: "However, His Majesty only mentioned Yelü Abaoji in the decree, but did not specify how to deal with your mother, Shuliduo."

Yelü Zhiwu's heart sank suddenly.

Yuan Tiangang leaned forward slightly, his gaze behind the mask seemingly able to pierce through her heart: "You must know your mother, Empress Shuliduo, well. She is not a docile person."

Yelü Zhiwu hurriedly looked up and protested, "No, my mother, she will definitely behave herself! She already knows she was wrong!"

"is it?"

Yuan Tiangang snorted coldly, his voice filled with icy intent: "This time, the Khitan took advantage of the internal strife in the Central Plains, thinking that His Majesty was young and easy to bully, and brazenly marched south to slaughter our Tang people and massacre our commoners. Wasn't this initial idea orchestrated by your good mother, Empress Dowager?"

Yelü Zhiwu's face turned deathly pale instantly, and she couldn't help but recall the scene in the Khitan king's tent a few months ago.

At that time, Yelü Abaoji, the father of the Khan, had just unified the eight tribes and become the Khitan Khan through his prestige and strength, and his position was not yet completely stable.

His original intention was to first consolidate internal stability and improve relations with the surrounding areas.

However, Queen Shuliduo secretly contacted Yelü Lage, Yelü Diela, Yelü Yindishi, Yelü Anduan, and other nobles who also coveted the Khan's throne. In the council tent, they all spoke up and strongly advocated for raiding southward.

"Khan, the Central Plains are currently in turmoil. The young emperor has just ascended the throne and has imprisoned the princes and forcibly taken over the regional military governors, causing the wrath of the people and the resentment of the people. The rear is now empty! This is the perfect opportunity for us to march south."

"Yes, Khan, the people are all looking forward to a bountiful winter! The grain, cloth, and women of the Central Plains are inexhaustible!"

Yelü Abaoji hesitated at the time, saying, "The Central Plains is, after all, a vast and resource-rich land, and it is not easy to deal with such people."

Shuliduo then spoke with a smile, her voice carrying a seductive tone: "Khan, you have just ascended to the throne and need a great victory to consolidate your authority and make the people of the other seven tribes completely submit to you."

"Moreover, the young emperor of the Central Plains is too busy to take care of himself. This is a golden opportunity bestowed upon us by the Eternal Heaven for the Khitan! With just one surprise attack, we will surely return with a full harvest!"

Yelü Abaoji looked at the surging crowd of nobles in the tent, then at Shuliduo with her burning gaze, and finally sighed, somewhat passively agreeing.

Afterwards, in the large tent after everyone had left, Yelü Abaoji angrily questioned Shuliduo about why she had fueled the flames.

Shulido then reassured him, "Everything I have done is to consolidate your Khanate and deal with those brothers and nephews who are eyeing you covetously."

Although Yelü Abaoji felt something was amiss, he saw that his wife's words were sincere, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of ambition and love.

Having ascended to the throne, Yelü Abaoji was certainly no ordinary man. Living in the harsh, cold north, they naturally harbored a deep longing and yearning for the prosperous life of the south.

In the end, Yelü Abaoji could only sigh helplessly and told her to make sure to inform him in advance next time.

Shulido readily agreed, but in her lowered eyes, something even more intense shone—ambition.

However, the outcome of the war was completely different from what she had expected.

When the Khitan cavalry faced Bai Qi's invincible "grassroots god" army, they were utterly routed and suffered a horrific defeat.

On the battlefield, the Khitan warriors' pride in their mounted archery was rendered useless. Before those gray-skinned, incredibly strong, and menacing terracotta warriors, they were harvested like weeds, their screams and cries of "Eternal Heaven does not protect us" echoing across the grasslands.

Yelü Zhiwu himself encountered Bai Qi, the god of war wearing a bronze mask, in the chaos of battle. After only a few exchanges, he was severely injured and captured by Bai Qi's fierce and unparalleled attacks, his bones broken and tendons severed.

The scene shifts back to the eerie main hall of the Bad Guys.

Yelü Zhiwu snapped out of her painful memories, her lips bleeding from being bitten. She knew Yuan Tiangang was telling the truth. Her mother's ambition and instigation were indeed one of the sources of this disaster.

She raised her head, her eyes filled with desperate pleading, tears mingling with the dust on her face as she slid down: "General, I beg you, spare my mother! I'll do anything! I'll serve you as a slave, at your beck and call! I only beg you to spare her life!"

Yuan Tiangang looked at her quietly, remaining silent for a long time before slowly speaking, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger:
"Your mother, Shuliduo, is a dangerous woman. And for the Tang Dynasty now, even the slightest danger..."

Yuan Tiangang clenched his fist, making a rustling sound.

"This commander will nip it in the bud."

Upon hearing this, Yelü Zhiwu's face turned deathly pale. She was not yet the expert above the Great Heavenly Realm as described in the original story.

After all, Li Xingyun acted too quickly; there were still several years before the story began at that time.

Even the rebellion of the brothers, instigated by Yelü Lage and others, had not yet begun.

(End of this chapter)