My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 115 King Wei, do you want a crown prince?
Fang Xuanling was very distressed.

He understands.

Your Majesty is neither afraid nor wary of the Crown Prince.

But worry.

I am worried that if the King of Wei is defeated, the conflict between the Crown Prince and Your Majesty will become more acute.

This would often bring more severe turmoil to the Tang Dynasty.

The Crown Prince’s military training today was indeed brilliant, but that was all. It does not pose any threat to Your Majesty at all.

But for King Wei, it was completely different.

Your Majesty should keep the prince's struggle within a controllable range. This is neither right nor wrong. It has been like this since ancient times.

Fang Xuanling even thought about whether he should secretly surrender to the prince.

In this way, at least the matter of preserving the Fang family can be resolved.

Is it possible to hide it from His Majesty?

If Your Majesty knew about this, he would think like this.

Fang Xuanling didn't dare.

After some hesitation, Fang Xuanling headed towards the Wei Wang Literary Museum in Yankangfang.

This is probably his first time going there since he became the Grand Secretary of the Wei Wang Literary Academy.
-
Li Chengqian was very happy today, not because of the morning training.

But it was because Li Dejian came back.

Among so many members of the rebellion, Li Dejian's position may not be the highest, but he is the most important one to Li Chengqian.

Because he is Li Jing's eldest son.

In the true sense of the second generation of military men, among the second generation of generals today, who could be more powerful than Li Dejian.

Behind Li Dejian were a large number of military generals.

Those subordinates who had followed Li Jing in his battles all over the country, who wouldn't give Li Dejian some face?

Most of the great generals, generals, and even lieutenant generals of the Sixteen Guards of the Tang Dynasty were more or less Li Jing's old subordinates.

In other words, Li Shimin himself had outstanding military achievements, and being younger than Li Jing, he had the confidence to suppress Li Jing. If it were any other emperor of any other dynasty, the first thing he would do after coming to power would be to get rid of Li Jing.

After all, the historical lesson of Sima Yi is right before our eyes.

Before Sima Yi, who would have thought that a seventy-year-old man could be capable of rebellion?

All we can say is that Li Jing met a good monarch.

The arrow shot by Sima Yi at Luoshui just grazed Li Jing's scalp.

East Palace, main hall.

"Greetings, Prince." Li Dejian looked a little haggard.

Li Chengqian said: "Why are you being polite to me? Why did you return to Chang'an only today?"

"Didn't I ask someone to write you a letter asking you to come back earlier? Tomorrow is the first day of the new year."

Li Dejian said helplessly: "There is no way. The palace in Luoyang collapsed some time ago. Someone cut corners."

"They are so bold that they even dare to touch the materials used in the palace. If I don't handle this kind of thing properly, I won't be able to return even if I want to."

Because of Li Jing's connections in the army, Li Shimin was also wary of him.

Therefore, Li Dejian, as a son of a general, did not serve as an official in the army even though he was talented in both literature and martial arts.

Instead, he was appointed as a junior supervisor of the fourth rank.

This official position was mainly responsible for civil engineering projects such as palace construction, and was a very lucrative job.

During this period in Luoyang, he was also responsible for the construction of the Luoyang Palace.

Li Dejian was not greedy because Li Jing's family had no shortage of money.

When marching and fighting, even if you only touch the surface, it is not a small number.

The rewards that Li Shimin gave to Li Jing for winning battles over the years alone were enough to provide Li Jing and his family with food and clothing for several generations.

"Who did it?" Li Chengqian asked.

Li Dejian said helplessly: "Who else could it be? It can't be those noble families. However, after investigating for a long time, no evidence could be found on them. The person who took the blame surrendered himself and admitted everything."

In Chang'an, the aristocratic families all kept their heads down, because Chang'an was Li Shimin's home ground, and there were a large number of Guanlong clans with strict laws.

But outside of Chang'an, the aristocratic families can show off their power.

Corruption, bribery and embezzlement are very common phenomena.

Li Chengqian didn't say much. This was the situation in the Tang Dynasty. He didn't have time to deal with the outside world for the time being.

Once you have control of the military power, then things will be fun.

"I plan to transfer you to Chang'an and make you the commander of the Left Guard of the Eastern Palace. What do you think?"

Li Chengqian said directly.

Hearing this, Li Dejian was delighted at first, but then he said with some worry, "I'm afraid my father won't agree."

Li Jing did not allow his eldest son to join the army because he was afraid that the emperor would be wary of him.

Li Dejian was also clear about this.

His father's influence in the military was too great, and he could only join the military if someone more influential than his father appeared after his father's death.

"Today is different from the past."

"You are in Luoyang, so you can't hear the news from Chang'an clearly. Fang Xuanling has become the Grand Secretary of the Wei Wang Literature Institute."

"What's the big deal if you come to my East Palace to be a left guard?"

"Besides, the expedition to Goryeo is imminent, and His Majesty has given me command of the troops of the Five Prefectures, so it's a good opportunity for you to practice your skills."

Li Chengqian's soldiers have not even taken a look at him yet, they are just waiting for Li Dejian to come back for training.

However, the training method will naturally follow the current procedures of the Military Academy.

Li Chengqian plans to pick out a group of outstanding students from the Military Academy to train the palace soldiers, which is roughly the same as an internship.

This is how one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three gives birth to ten thousand things.

"Since Your Highness has made such an arrangement, I will obey your orders."

"I have lived in Luoyang for a long time, and I have heard a few words about the news in Chang'an. I will ask my father after I return home."

When Li Dejian returned to Chang'an, he didn't even go back home. The first thing he did was to go to the Eastern Palace.

Li Dejian was happy at this moment. He had always wanted to develop in the military, otherwise he would not have gone against his father's wishes and got involved with the prince.

What he was expecting was that after the crown prince ascended the throne, he would be able to lead the troops into battle.

Influenced by his father since childhood, Li Dejian was very confident in his military abilities.

The only thing lacking is practical experience.

Li Jing did not follow Li Yuan from the beginning, and was not part of Li Yuan's core group of confidants.

Li Yuan found it difficult to fully control and trust such a general with outstanding abilities but whose loyalty remained to be tested, so he would naturally be wary of him.

Therefore, whenever Li Jing went to war, his eldest son Li Dejian would be left behind, equivalent to a hostage.

Li Dejian also lost the opportunity to follow his father in his battles.

From Li Yuan to Li Shimin, it is obvious that Li Jing has never stopped being feared.

"Okay, then I won't keep you in the East Palace for dinner today."

"After tomorrow's court session, come to the East Palace."

"I will then arrange for you to take up the post of Left Guard."

Li Chengqian patted Li Dejian on the shoulder and said with a smile.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Li Dejian's tone was somewhat excited. His dream of joining the army, which he had been dreaming about day and night, had finally come true.

Anyone who wanted to do the job of the junior supervisor could do it. He was really fed up with guarding a group of craftsmen every day.

Watching Li Dejian leave, Li Chengqian knew that this time when he returned home, he would most likely have a falling out with Li Jing.

Li Jing naturally would not allow Li Dejian to come to the Eastern Palace to serve as the Left Guard Commander.

And since Li Dejian had received his promise, how could he give up this opportunity and betray the prince's trust?

Whether it was a real falling out or a fake one, given Li Jing's caution, there would definitely be a drama of a father-son split.

But this is not important. What is important is that no matter what happens, Li Dejian is still Li Jing's eldest son.

This one is enough.

As for Erfeng, Li Chengqian didn't care even more.

It is actually a taboo for the prince to contact military generals.

When the crown prince was regent, he would never be involved in military power, as long as he was responsible for handling government affairs.

But now, Erfeng has appointed Fang Xuanling, the military leader, to serve as the Grand Secretary of the Wei Wang Literary Academy.

He asked Li Jing's eldest son to come to the Eastern Palace to serve as a guard commander. What does that mean?

In the afternoon, Li Yuanchang and Zhao Jie came again.

The two were not eligible to attend the military parade in the morning. After all, His Majesty was there, so it would be inconvenient for them to go.

Except for special times, the two of them come to the East Palace almost every day.

Only Du He was not available.

There will be a grand court meeting tomorrow, and as the Shangcheng Fengyu, he will have a lot of things to do.

When the two men arrived, it was natural that the Hu girls sang and danced and drank and had fun.

And this afternoon, Lu Tong also came to visit, which surprised Li Chengqian a little.

"General Lu Tong of the Right Jinwu Guard pays respect to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Lu Tong bowed respectfully.

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "Today is the day when the Prince of Jin arrives at the residence of the General of the Right Jinwu Guard to take up his new post."

"It's only the afternoon, and you've already come to my East Palace. Aren't you afraid of what the King of Jin might think of you?"

Lu Tong said firmly, "I have always followed your Highness' lead."

This is a show of loyalty.

Under the General of the Right Jinwu Guard, there are two Jinwu Generals, who are equivalent to the general's left and right hands.

But now, it was obvious that the left hand had decided to hold the prince's thigh tightly. Lu Tong knew it very well.

Ever since the last incident involving Lu Yizhong in Wannian County, he got in touch with the prince.

Although he did not explicitly express that he was following the prince, he was already labeled as the prince.

If we now betray the Crown Prince and follow the Prince of Jin, because the Prince of Jin is the general.

Then he would become a fence-sitter. Since ancient times, those who want to please both sides never have a good ending.

As for the current situation, Prince Jin cannot compare with the Crown Prince.

"Give me a seat."

Li Chengqian asked the officials to bring tables and chairs to Lu Tong, and was very satisfied with this answer.

Attacking the King of Jin is one aspect. The General of the Jinwu Guard is directly in charge of Chang'an, which is very convenient to use in many cases.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

After Lu Tong saluted, he bowed to Li Yuanchang and Zhao Jie and saluted with his hands crossed.

"Greetings to the King of Han and the Governor of Zhao."

Li Yuanchang said carelessly: "You're welcome. Since you've followed His Highness, we'll be family from now on."

Zhao Jie smiled and said, "We should communicate more in the future."

King Han Li Yuanchang did not mention that the General of the Jinwu Guard was of the third rank, which was equivalent to his rank as the Governor of Shangzhou.

Moreover, he governs Chang'an and holds real power over the military, making him even more useful to the crown prince.

Of course, their statuses were far different. Zhao Jie was the prince's cousin and a royal relative.

And Lu Tong didn't even come from a noble family.

After Lu Tong took his seat.

Li Chengqian waved his hand and ordered: "Continue playing the music, continue dancing."
-
Yankangfang, Prince Wei's Palace.

"Mr. Fang has come to the Literature Museum?"

There was surprise in Li Tai's voice.

Although my father had already appointed Fang Xuanling as the Grand Secretary of his Academy of Literature.

But Fang Xuanling was just a figurehead and never actually presided over it.

Now, hearing that Fang Xuanling had arrived, Li Tai naturally understood what this meant.

As he spoke, his eyes turned to Fang Yiai.

Fang Yiai also confirmed: "Yes, father is here."

After getting the answer he wanted, Li Tai immediately stood up and said excitedly, "Come on, follow me to meet Lord Fang."

But before he even went out, Li Tai hesitated.

He asked Chai Lingwu beside him, "Mr. Fang has just arrived, and I am going over like this. Isn't it a bit abrupt?"

Chai Lingwu analyzed: "Since Lord Fang is willing to come to the Literature Museum, he must be here for the King of Wei. So the sooner the King of Wei goes there, the more he can show his respect for Lord Fang."

Upon hearing this, Li Tai felt relieved and headed towards the Museum of Literature with Fang Yiai and Chai Lingwu.

The Museum of Literature is not far away, it is in Yankangfang, on the right side of the Prince of Wei's Palace.

In less than two incense sticks of time, Li Tai arrived.

The Literature Museum is very lively at this moment.

A person's name, the shadow of a tree.

Fang Xuanling is truly a top figure in the circle of scholars.

In those days, Your Majesty established the Academy of Literature, which was known as the Eighteen Scholars, and the chief among them was Fang Xuanling.

Even if Li Tai was fat, he wouldn't be able to squeeze into this scene.

"The King of Wei is here!"

Chai Lingwu shouted and everyone immediately made way for them.

"Mr. Fang."

Li Tai stepped forward, bowed, and saluted with his arms crossed.

When it comes to respecting wise and humble people, Li Tai has always had a bad reputation.

"Why bother the King of Wei?"

Fang Xuanling hurriedly stepped forward to support him, with a look of relief on his face.

Li Tai stood up and said sincerely, "It is my honor that Lord Fang can come to the Literature Museum in person. I have admired Lord Fang's talent and virtue for a long time. I am so happy to see him today that I can't express it in words."

Fang Xuanling nodded slightly and said, "Your Highness, the Prince of Wei, is known for his courtesy to the wise and humble. I have heard of this old minister for a long time. Your Highness is so humble, it is a blessing for our Tang Dynasty."

Li Tai waved his hand quickly and said, "Mr. Fang, you are too kind. I know that my own talents are limited, so I am eager to seek talents. With Mr. Fang in charge, the Literature Museum will surely flourish and cultivate more talents for our Tang Dynasty."

After that, Li Tai stepped aside, made a gesture of invitation, and said, "Mr. Fang, please come in and take a seat. I have many questions I want to ask you."

Fang Xuanling did not refuse and walked into the museum under the guidance of Li Tai.

On the other side, Chai Lingwu and Fang Yiai were responsible for clearing the area.

It was obvious that the King of Wei had important matters to discuss with Prime Minister Fang, so all the outsiders should leave.

Inside the room, Li Tai personally poured tea for Fang Xuanling, handed it to him respectfully, and said, "Mr. Fang, please have some tea. This is the best tea that I specially ordered someone to prepare. I hope it suits your taste."

Fang Xuanling took the teacup, took a sip, and praised, "Good tea. The King of Wei is thoughtful."

At this point, Fang Xuanling also understood that there was no choice for some things.

In fact, since you are already here, you have already made a choice.

The air was somewhat quiet, but Li Tai was patient, like a disciple waiting to be taught.

Fang Xuanling finished the tea in the cup without any haste. Li Tai was about to go forward to pour more for Fang Xuanling, but was stopped by Li Tai.

Fang Xuanling asked: "What does the King of Wei think of the King of Qi's rebellion?"

Li Tai felt that this was a test from Lord Fang. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "The King of Qi's rebellion is truly an act of treason."

"Such behavior not only betrays my father's trust and expectations, but also brings great turmoil to the Tang Dynasty."

Faced with the King of Wei's righteous words, Fang Xuanling shook his head slightly.

He has come in person, doesn't the King of Wei know what is going on?

This shows that King Wei's view of the current situation is still superficial.

However, Fang Xuanling felt that it didn't matter much. The King of Wei was too smart and didn't need him.

So he asked again: "What does the King of Wei think the King of Qi's rebellion has to do with the Crown Prince?"

Li Tai paused.

Does the Prince of Qi’s rebellion have anything to do with the Crown Prince?

But since Mr. Fang asked this, it must be unusual.

After thinking for a moment, Li Tai replied: "The rebellion of the King of Qi may be caused by the Crown Prince's behind-the-scenes manipulation."

Fang Xuanling was quite satisfied with this answer.

But he did not continue to delve into this topic, and instead said: "Now in the army, in the left and right Jinwu Guards, Jinwu General Su Dingfang and Lu Tong are all the prince's men."

"In the court, all the important officials are also protecting the prince."

"Changsun Situ, cooperates with the prince, Bing Si, Dali Temple Shaoqing, is the prince's father-in-law."

"Now the Military Academy has become the foundation of the Crown Prince."

"Compared with him, the King of Wei has a better reputation and the support of the Five Families and Seven Noble Houses."

"However, the crown prince invented bamboo paper and books, and won the hearts of scholars from poor families. After comparing them, the King of Wei wondered how he could win over the crown prince, make His Majesty change his mind, and successfully seize the throne."

After hearing these words, Li Tai was a little confused.

When important officials of the imperial court talk about matters like the fight for the throne, are they always so direct?

Seeing Li Tai silent, Fang Xuanling's face remained calm.

You, the King of Wei, have almost the word "seizing the throne" written all over your face. Anyone with a bit of common sense in the court and the public would know about it. Why are you still hiding it and trying to cover it up?

Li Tai calmed himself down, took a deep breath, and slowly said, "Mr. Fang is right. The situation is indeed not in my favor now."

"But I also have my own advantages. The support of the Five Surnames and Seven Families is a great help."

“Now we have the support of the government.”

Fang Xuanling waved his hand and said, "The Five Surnames and Seven Families may have some influence in other places, but they cannot influence the overall situation in Chang'an."

"As for me, I am alone and cannot do anything."

"Based on the current situation, I would like to make it clear that the King of Wei has no chance of winning."

When Li Tai heard this, he suddenly felt unhappy.

But on second thought, Fang Xuanling would not come to the Museum of Literature just to attack me.

Suppressing his anger, Li Tai bowed and said, "Please teach me, Mr. Fang."

Fang Xuanling nodded. If the King of Wei couldn't help himself because of these words, then there would be no point.

He immediately said, "To kill a snake, you must hit it at its weakest point. To capture a thief, you must first capture the leader. In a conventional fight, the King of Wei is already at a disadvantage. It is almost impossible for him to suppress the Crown Prince."

"The most crucial point is still your Majesty. If your Majesty has no intention of deposing the Crown Prince, then no matter what the King of Wei does, it will be meaningless."

"As of now, there is only one thing that can leave Your Majesty with no choice."

Li Tai also reacted and replied: "Mr. Fang means that the prince is plotting a rebellion?"

Fang Xuanling nodded.

Li Tai asked doubtfully, "But if the evidence is fabricated, I'm afraid it will be difficult for His Majesty to pass the test after a thorough investigation."

Fang Xuanling did not answer directly, and said: "After the rebellion of the King of Qi was exposed, I sent someone to ask Yin Hongzhi. Several years ago, he had contacted the crown prince's trusted guard Hegan Chengji."

"The prince suddenly killed Hegan Chengji, is it really just because he knew about the affair between Hegan Chengji and Yin Hongzhi?"

"If that's the case, why didn't the prince report it to your majesty, but hid it instead?"

"At first I thought the Crown Prince was plotting against the King of Wei, but after thinking about it carefully, it is not that simple."

Hearing this, Li Tai suddenly realized: "Mr. Fang means that the prince killed Hegan Chengji not because he colluded with Yin Hongzhi, but because Hegan Chengji wanted to tell Yin Hongzhi about the prince's rebellion."

"So the prince really wants to rebel."

(End of this chapter)