Everyone quickly knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your humble subjects pay their respects to Your Majesty, the Empress, and all the Highnesses."
"Rise. Today is for the completion of the library. You don't need to be so formal," Li Shimin said. On the surface, he looked calm and confident, showing no sign of his emotions. In fact, he had been searching the crowd for his daughter and son.
Weren't they supposed to come back today and make it to the completion ceremony of the library? Why hadn't they shown up yet?
"Princess Chengyang! So you're here! You've made it so hard for this official to find you!" Yan Lide had been looking around in the crowd for a long time before finally spotting Li Jingyun and Li Yin, the siblings, in a remote position in the front row. He quickly stepped forward to greet them.
The library was about to open soon. As the one who proposed the construction of the library, how could Princess Chengyang not be here now?
Everyone's attention was immediately drawn to Li Jingyun and her brother.
Li Jingyun walked out obediently and came to her father's side. Her eldest sister - in - law took her hand. When she looked at the common people in front of her, she realized that so many people had already gathered behind her.
It was indeed grander and more spectacular than any festival.
Li Yin followed closely beside her. Many young ladies around him looked shy and timid when they saw him. Although Li Yin had a bad reputation in Chang'an City before, he was good - looking.
With his charm, status, and appearance, it was normal for some people to like him.
At the same time, there were also some bold young ladies who secretly threw sachets to the scholars standing outside. They just had to be discreet and gentle enough not to let Li Shimin, who was standing in the front, notice.
"Your Highness! Where have you been? Why didn't you show up just now?" Suddenly, a thunderous voice came from the crowd. One couldn't see where the person was, but could clearly hear the words.
"I went to Qingzhou in Henan Circuit to check on the progress of the library there. It's already completed, and books are being placed inside. The workers' wages have also been paid off. It will be available for use in a few days," Li Jingyun organized her words and said with a big smile.
At the same time, she looked around at her father, mother, and siblings. Her little eyes clearly said: Look how well I've done. Praise me quickly! Praise me quickly!
Pile all those nice words on me. I'll enjoy it so much!
"The princess is so magnanimous. Your humble subject admires you!" It was still the same person who shouted again.
The common people quickly followed suit and shouted in unison, "The princess is so magnanimous. Your humble subjects admire you!"
"Get up quickly. After today, everyone can come here to read books!" Li Jingyun was so happy that she could hardly close her mouth. She announced loudly.
"Thank you, Princess!"
"Alright. A country has its laws, and a family has its rules. Of course, the newly - built library also has its regulations, which were drafted by Tang Jian," Li Shimin said. As he spoke, a booklet appeared in Yan Lide's hand. Since he was the official host of today's event, it was naturally his turn to read it.
"Today, as the library makes its debut, here are the following rules!"
"… …"
The rules were concise and took only three minutes to read. The general idea was to keep the volume down, prohibit fighting, not eat, not damage the books, and not borrow books for the time being. There was a place to buy drinks in the library, but please don't dirty the books, etc.
Those who violated the rules would be severely punished. This was also a consensus among everyone. Books were so precious. Who wouldn't treasure a book carefully?
His Majesty and the princess were kind - hearted to give them the opportunity to read for free. How dare you try to damage the books? That was just asking for trouble!
As for why Tang Jian drafted these rules? Because he had funded the construction of the library, which was equivalent to getting the naming rights.
When everyone was listening in a daze, someone in the crowd shouted again. It was still the same person. "Everyone knows that Princess Chengyang made a bet with someone, which led to the construction of this library. Now that the princess has shown up, why hasn't that Miss Cui appeared? Did she oversleep?"
Immediately, there was a buzz of discussion. "Yes, where is that Miss Cui? Isn't she going to show up for such a big event?"
"Is she scared? Afraid of losing face in front of His Majesty and the Empress? Too scared to come out?"
"I heard that Miss Cui's younger brother crushed someone's millet seedlings and beat someone up before, which made His Majesty extremely angry. He was given the death penalty. Birds of a feather flock together. It can be seen that Miss Cui's character is not that good either."
Li Jingyun felt as if everyone in front of her was opening their mouths at the same time. Her ears were buzzing, and the noise was giving her a headache. She was also looking for Cui Tian's figure. How could Cui Tian not be here?
Then she was hugged by her elder sister, Lizhi, who also took the opportunity to rub her face. Li Jingyun wanted to get down. "Sister, I'm not a child anymore. There are so many people here. Let me down."
Her words made Li Lizhi laugh. "How old are you? You're only five. It's normal for you to be in my arms. Otherwise, how can you see anyone? You're an important person today. Just stay obediently."
"Okay, sister," Li Jingyun couldn't argue with her sister, so she could only respond obediently.
However, her sister's arms were really warm and comfortable!
At this time, Cui Tian walked out of the restaurant opposite. "I'm here!"
Everyone quickly made way for her. Each person had a look of eagerness to watch the show.
Cui Gan didn't go down with her. He was still watching from the private room on the second floor. He had suffered a loss last time when he went to the Chang'an County Yamen to rescue Cui Xian. Just for saying a few words for Cui Xian, he was demoted by His Majesty to a fifth - rank official with no real power.
He was even worried that if he came out to speak for Cui Tian this time, he would be demoted one more level to a sixth - rank official.
Those from the Qinghe Cui Clan, the Xingyang Zheng Clan, and the Zhao Commandery Li Clan were also watching Cui Tian from afar. These great clans had noticed that His Majesty wanted to suppress the aristocratic families and elevate the common - born scholars. They just wanted to see how far he would go.
"Your humble subject, Cui Tian, pays respects to His Majesty, the Empress, and all the Highnesses," Cui Tian said as she bowed respectfully.
"Rise. Today, you can go into the library with us and see if it meets your expectations. How about that?" Li Shimin put on a gentle and generous expression. In fact, he was more eager than anyone to see Cui Tian admit defeat.
Then he could take advantage of this situation and openly announce the demotion of the Cui Clan to the third - class noble family, while promoting the royal family to the first - class and the imperial relatives to the second - class.
"If that's the case, it would be the best. The princess's heroic words that day still seem to be ringing in my ears. I also want to see what the inside of such a large - scale library looks like," Cui Tian took the opportunity to follow Li Shimin's words.
The scholars were not happy. What was her status? How could she go in with them?
Entering the library was an honor bestowed by the Son of Heaven. They had studied hard alone for more than a decade and traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to come to Chang'an for the imperial examination. What right did this person from the Cui Clan have?
His Majesty's invitation only showed His Majesty's magnanimity. How dare she have the nerve to accept it?
They were already starting to suspect that she might find fault with the construction of the library later, demand repairs, and prevent it from opening.
They couldn't help but be suspicious. After all, there had always been a feud between the common - born scholars and the aristocratic families.
Li Jingyun clenched her small fists and said seriously, "The craftsmen have worked very hard on the library, and they've done a great job. After seeing it today, I'll make you admit defeat whole - heartedly!"
Cui Tian just smiled and didn't say a word.
"The auspicious time has arrived. The library is officially completed! Everyone can go in!"
Seeing that the time was up, Yan Lide shouted loudly.