Word Number：391 Author：闲穿径竹 Translator： Release Time：2025-06-26

　　Not many days had passed when Princess Taiping, under the guise of relaying an imperial edict on behalf of the young emperor, sought to transfer the throne to Prince Xiang, Li Dan. Yet, Li Dan firmly declined the offer. The young emperor, unperturbed, then decreed that Prince Ping, Li Longji, be appointed as the Supervisor of the Palace and granted the prestigious title of “Three-Rank Minister” in the Central Secretariat.　　During his time in Luzhou, Li Longji cultivated close ties with the Salt Gang. Li Shoude, once a disciple of the Luzhou branch of the gang, had been personally trained by their leader, Huang Fuli, earning a reputation as his most prized protégé. Renowned for his exceptional skills in horseback archery—a craft he had mastered under Huang’s tutelage—Li Longji took a particular liking to his talent. Wishing to secure his services, Li Longji requested the Salt Gang to release this promising disciple to him. Li Shoude remained at his side throughout the turbulent times, and once the chaos subsided, Li Longji elevated him to the rank of general.　　Li Longji had another trusted attendant, a fierce and skilled horseman and archer of Goguryeo descent, known as Wang Maozhong. When Li Longji first rose in rebellion, Wang Maozhong, intimidated by the formidable power of Empress Wei, went into hiding and dared not join the cause. Yet, instead of reproaching him for his cowardice, Li Longji chose to forgive his lapse and, in an extraordinary act of clemency, promoted him to the rank of general.　　Liu Youqiu repeatedly urged Li Longji to persuade Prince Xiang to ascend the throne without delay. Heeding this advice, Li Longji entered the palace to pay his respects to the prince, fervently pleading with him to follow the will of the people and claim the imperial title promptly. After much hesitation, Prince Xiang reluctantly agreed.　　One morning during the court assembly, Princess Taiping addressed the gathered officials, saying, “The Emperor wishes to relinquish the throne to his uncle. Would this be acceptable?”　　Liu Youqiu knelt to the ground and replied, “The nation has endured many hardships, and the Emperor, in his virtue and filial piety, follows in the footsteps of Yao and Shun[ They refer to legendary sage-kings in ancient Chinese history and culture. They are highly revered figures often associated with wise go