I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 566 - 63: Relocation of the Capital and Retirement, The Dawn of a New Era

If Li Shimin were to proceed willfully, it naturally wouldn’t be a problem.

But unfortunately, he is not that kind of Emperor.

Now that there is a courtier who can actively bring up this matter in the current court, it already indicates the rapid decline of the Guanlong nobles’ power.

Taiji Hall.

The hall was vast and deep, with sunlight slanting against the vermilion pillars, dust suspended, and a pin drop could be heard.

The officials stood solemnly.

"Your Majesty! Last year, disaster relief consumed eight hundred thousand bushels of grain from the Grand Granary, and now only three-tenths remain in the Guanzhong granaries," the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Du Zhengren, solemnly declared in court, "However, losses on the Bian River exceed forty percent every year—臣请迁都洛阳!"

—Relocation to Luoyang!

As soon as these two words were uttered, it seemed to touch a nerve, instantly changing the entire atmosphere within the hall!

Murmurs of discussion immediately erupted.

Regarding last year’s great famine, every minister in the court was naturally aware of all its various details.

Although under the strong national power of the Great Tang, the impact of this great famine was far less than it could have been in history, yet for the Great Tang, it was still a significant drain.

Moreover, it completely exposed the fatal flaw of Chang’an’s location!

The newly appointed Deputy Minister of the Central Secretariat, Li Yifu, stepped forward slowly, cupping his hands towards Li Zhi: "What Duke Du mentioned is indeed a sword hanging overhead!"

"In the past, Emperor Yang of Sui built the Eastern Capital, not for extravagance, but because ’the treasury of Chang’an was empty while Luoyang was full’."

"Now the Han Jia Granary has enough grain reserves to last ten years, and the Bian River annually ships four million bushels unimpeded."

"If you insist on holding this precarious situation, is that the wisdom of a wise ruler?"

"How dare you!" a sharp shout erupted suddenly.

The Assistant Grand Tutor Yu Zhining coldly stared at Li Yifu: "Both of you see only the grain transport, not the people’s hearts!"

"Last year’s famine, the elders of Guanzhong all believed the court could save the world."

"Now after the disaster is over, if we abandon them, how will the world judge His Majesty?"

"Moreover, repairing and widening the canals, and cutting through Mount Danzhu, would cost a million coins to solve the dilemma of grain transport, so why relocate the capital and burden the people and deplete resources!"

As a key minister of Guanlong, he naturally strongly opposed this matter.

Guanlong nobles’ power is already very weak now.

If the capital were relocated to Luoyang.

When one day Zhangsun Wuji retires, how could there still be a place for the Guanlong nobles in this court?

Of course, opposition is one thing, but the reasons must be justifiable.

With Yu Zhining’s speech, it instantly ignited the entire court’s battle, and Palace Minister Han Yuan also stepped forward, saying: "Though Luoyang Palace is intact, it has not been repaired for many years."

"If the six palaces and nine ministries are suddenly relocated, it might cost tens of millions—saving ten years of grain transport losses cannot offset a year’s refurbishments!"

The sounds of arguing almost instantly reverberated throughout the hall.

Various factions were contending over this matter.

Except for the Guanlong nobles, almost everyone else desires the Great Tang to relocate the capital to Luoyang.

Who wouldn’t want more opportunities?

The Guanlong nobles have occupied the court for too long; the position of the Gu Clan is unshakable, but they can be challenged!

This is the best opportunity!

Looking at the quarreling ministers in the hall, Li Zhi couldn’t help but frown.

He is a bit annoyed by the ethos left by the Zhen Guan era.

However, Li Zhi did not say much, just cast his gaze towards Zhangsun Wuji.

Zhangsun Wuji had long made up his mind to leave. The administration’s tediousness and endless factional strife had already tired him.

From beginning to end, he remained silent as stone, not uttering a word.

But his status was there.

Even if Li Zhi always stood by, the ministers would bring the conversation to him.

Especially those Guanlong nobles.

Zhangsun Wuji indeed was their final confidence!

Seeing everyone’s gaze, including Li Zhi’s, turning towards himself, Zhangsun Wuji remained silent for a moment, then slowly stood up, preparing to speak.

At that very moment!

His body suddenly swayed, and without any warning, he fell forward, directly passing out.

"Grand Commander!!"

In an instant, the entire hall’s chaos shifted to Zhangsun Wuji, and the prior disputes vanished at this moment.

....

That night.

The moonlight was clear, the stars brilliant.

In the Zhao State Duke’s mansion.

After a group of ministers worrying about Zhangsun Wuji’s health gradually left, the bedroom finally quieted down. On the bed, Zhangsun Wuji slowly opened his eyes, making no sound.

Before long, his eldest son Zhangsun Chong returned from seeing the guests off.

As soon as he stepped through the door, his body abruptly halted—obviously not expecting his father to have already awakened. The surprise quickly turned into delight, he opened his mouth to call out—

But was pinned in place by Zhangsun Wuji’s silent but fierce gaze!

"Quiet." Zhangsun Wuji’s voice was extremely light, yet carried an undeniable weight.

Zhangsun Chong suppressed his excitement, hurriedly lowering his voice, bending over to urgently ask: "Father... is your body alright?"

No matter how dull he may be, at this moment he couldn’t fail to realize that the family’s physician had deceived everyone, Zhangsun Wuji did not seem ill at all.

"I am fine." Zhangsun Wuji waved his hand, then sat up directly, staring straight at Zhangsun Chong, "But I must leave."

His tone was extremely calm.

Upon hearing, Zhangsun Chong’s eyes couldn’t help but change.

He knew that Zhangsun Wuji had long intended to retire, but did not expect it to be so sudden.

"The ministers propose relocating the capital, Grand Tutor though not having interfered, but based on the Gu Clan’s current actions, in the end the Grand Tutor will certainly support this matter."

"Including His Majesty likewise."

"The terrain of Chang’an is such that in the past Emperor Taizong considered relocating the capital several times."

"This is the trend; I must not go against it. However..." At this point, he slightly shook his head, timely stopping the speech, his gaze heavily fixed on Zhangsun Chong, "This is my chance to withdraw."