After all, with Li Chengqian and Li Tai ahead of him, Li Zhi was far inferior to his two elder brothers in terms of both literary talent and ability.
Changsun Wuji immediately realized that something was wrong. One was that His Majesty's address was incorrect, and the other was that the atmosphere in the court was off.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's reputation for benevolence and filial piety is renowned throughout the land. Even if he makes occasional mistakes, he shouldn't be considered a rebellious son, should he?"
"Your Majesty, please be careful with your words, lest people think that you have abandoned the Crown Prince and have other improper thoughts."
Li Shimin was startled by these words. He had already deposed the crown prince once and really didn't have the energy to do it again.
Therefore, even if he had some regrets, he would still make Li Zhi the crown prince.
"The auxiliary machine is right; I misspoke just now."
"I am quite satisfied with the Crown Prince's performance. Please do not misunderstand, my ministers."
Upon hearing this, the people in the main hall reacted with varying expressions.
Officials from Changsun Wuji's faction were naturally overjoyed. In contrast, officials from Fang Xuanling's faction were somewhat disappointed, even disheartened…
Of course, many people also said they didn't care.
In their view, no matter who becomes the crown prince, their titles and positions will not be able to rise any further.
For example, Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie, Li Jing, and other meritorious officials of the Lingyan Pavilion.
They have accomplished enough in their lives; even if they were to be enthroned, they would not be granted the title of king.
Seeing that no one objected, Li Shimin immediately pressed his advantage.
"The Ministry of Public Works, together with the Directorate of Works, shall immediately produce a map of the roads connecting the entire country. The map must be detailed down to every river and every mountain to ensure that all roads are connected!"
"The Ministry of Revenue should provide a rough budget for the consumption of money and grain, and then calculate the treasuries of each prefecture and state to see where there are shortages and where resources need to be transferred from elsewhere!"
"promise!"
"Your Majesty, we obey!"
"Do any of you ministers have anything else to say?"
Seeing that no one was willing to speak, Li Shimin immediately raised a matter.
"Since you are all alright, I do have a personal matter to discuss!"
"My eldest son, Li Chengqian, passed away before me, leaving me to suffer the pain of a white-haired man burying a black-haired one..."
"Although Cheng Gan has committed treason, he is, after all, my eldest son. How could I bear to let him be buried with the rites due to a duke?"
"Therefore, I wish to posthumously confer this title!"
Everyone was stunned when they heard this. Li Chengqian had already been demoted to a commoner, but His Majesty had promoted him by one rank and buried him with the honors due to a Duke.
It's only been a few months, why are they promoting it again?
"Your Majesty, is this action inappropriate?"
"Cheng Gan, a commoner, has already been buried with the rites due to a duke, and this has been announced to the world. If he were to be posthumously honored, it would likely draw criticism from the people!"
Li Shimin was determined to posthumously confer the title, and he didn't care what others said.
"My mind is made up, you all should not try to persuade me any further!"
"I intend to bestow upon Cheng Gan the title of Prince of Qian!"
"At the same time, the title of Prince of Tianshui will be restored for the imperial grandson Li Xiang, who will govern six counties: Chengji, Shanggui, Longcheng, Qingshui, Fuqiang, and Changdao. He can take up his post after the mourning period is over!"
"His eldest grandson, Li Jue, was posthumously granted the title of Prince of Yong!"
As Li Shimin spoke, he squeezed out a few tears.
"It's a pity that my eldest grandson died at the young age of nine. If he could be brought back to life, I would surely forgive all his sins and allow his descendants to inherit the title of Prince Yong for generations. Waaah..."
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