My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 116 In front of the prince, everyone is a younger brother
The King of Wei had never seen such hope of succeeding to the throne as he did today.

In the past few years, due to the favoritism of my father and the support of the Five Surnames and Seven Aristocrats, the Wei Wang Party has expanded rapidly.

This made the King of Wei want to seize the throne.

However, the support of the crown prince by important officials of the court made him realize that it was actually a very difficult task to get his father to depose the crown prince.

However, the temptation of the throne, even if the hope is very slim, one can't help but give it a try.

What's more, there is the example set by my father.

My father was not a legitimate son back then.

Then why can't we seize the throne?

Everything was going smoothly, but the crown prince became absurd and had corrupt personalities, so the King of Wei took his place.

But who would have thought that with one wrong step, his father would kill Le Tong, which would make the prince realize his mistake.

The big brother from the past is back.

It is even stronger than before.

Within a few months, the King of Wei felt that he was being suppressed everywhere.

Sometimes at night, Li Tai couldn't help but think about it secretly.

Forget it, give up.

But the Five Surnames and Seven Families, as well as his own confidants, were not willing to agree.

The only hope is to surpass the prince in the conquest of Goryeo.

But even if his military achievements are greater than those of the crown prince, can he, the King of Wei, seize the throne?

When has governing the world ever been based on military achievements?

It was not until today when Fang Xuanling came to the Literature Museum and said something to him that helped him regain his confidence.

When I walked out of the door of the Literature Museum, I still felt a little dizzy.

"King Wei, what did Lord Fang say?"

Chai Lingwu asked with some curiosity.

The King of Wei was in there for a long time, and no one knew what he talked about with Lord Fang, but after he came out, Chai Lingwu felt that the King of Wei's whole spirit was a little different, and he looked very energetic.

"Don't ask too much. I will tell you what I should know."

"Secrecy is the key to success. For some things, the fewer people who know about them, the better."

Li Tai said calmly.

Previously, Chai Lingwu was considered his trusted adviser, but compared to Fang Gong, he felt far inferior.

There is a world of difference.

"Yes, King Wei."

Chai Lingwu felt a little bitter in his mouth. He didn't expect to follow the King of Wei for so long and work so hard.

As a result, Lord Fang made the King of Wei treat him like this just because of a few words.

Although Chai Lingwu knew in his heart that he could never compare with Mr. Fang.

But even if there is no credit, there is still hard work.

Li Tai also felt that Chai Lingwu was in a low mood and knew that it might be the words just now that hurt him.

Then he added in a low voice: "I don't know the details of Mr. Fang's plan yet, so I don't know how to tell you."

"It's probably related to the Crown Prince's rebellion, so just leave it to Lord Fang to arrange."

"Tomorrow is the New Year's Day. Mr. Fang will need to go to the Dali Temple. We will need to make some arrangements then."

Upon hearing this, Chai Lingwu immediately perked up and all his previous disappointment disappeared.

"Is the prince really plotting a rebellion?"

Li Tai said: "Just wait for Mr. Fang to make the arrangements."
-
East Palace.

The news that Fang Xuanling went to the Wei Wang Literary Institute soon spread.

After all, the Wuhou Shop in Yankangfang was arranged by Su Dingfang, who was always paying attention to every move of the Prince of Wei's Palace.

Such a big thing must be reported quickly.

Li Yuanchang cursed: "It seems that old fellow Fang Xuanling is determined to stand on the side of the King of Wei."

"Earlier, this old fox indulged his second son Fang Yiai to get involved with Qingque. Now it seems that he had planned this all along."

At this time, Lu Tong had already left, and only Li Yuanchang and Zhao Jie were left.

Zhao Jie hesitated and said, "Didn't Li Anyan send a message earlier, saying that when His Majesty returned to Taiji Palace, he had a private chat with Fang Xuanling. I think it was related to the King of Wei."

"Perhaps Fang Xuanling did not intend to stand on the side of the King of Wei, but he had to obey His Majesty's instructions."

Fang Xuanling's influence is too great. If he stands on the side of King Wei, it will be a big blow to the Prince's Party.

Fang Xuanling was in charge of state affairs and seldom spoke on many government matters, but once he spoke, they were always decided directly.

Not to mention the impact on the military.

In terms of influence, even Changsun Wuji is inferior to him.

Li Chengqian shook his head slightly and said, "Whether it was your Majesty's instruction or Fang Xuanling was forced to do so."

"Now that he has gone to the King of Wei's literary museum, this has a completely different meaning."

"But don't worry too much. Even with Fang Xuanling's help, the King of Wei can't turn the world upside down."

"Our goal was never to be in the imperial court. What did your Majesty rely on to win the throne? Was it the words of the civil servants?"

"As long as we have enough troops, we can stop them no matter what they come."

"You came late and didn't meet Dejian. I have already told Dejian that you don't have to leave when you return to Chang'an this time. Come to my East Palace and serve as the Left Guard Commander."

Hearing this, Li Yuanchang immediately agreed: "Your Highness is right. What kind of trouble can the King of Wei cause by relying on those people from aristocratic families?"

"I don't think Fang Xuanling would dare to interfere in military affairs."

"Even so, with Dejian's help, I am not afraid of this old man Fang Xuanling."

In terms of prestige in the army, Li Jing is undoubtedly the number one.

Zhao Jie said: "I'm afraid Duke Wei may not allow Dejian to come."

Zhao Jie was also clear about some of Li Jing's circumstances.

If I could work in the Eastern Palace, I would have come here a long time ago, not until now.

But soon, Zhao Jie was slapped in the face.

Li Dejian just happened to arrive.

But he looked a little embarrassed.

"Your Highness, I'll have to ask you to take me in from now on."

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "Did you have a quarrel with Lord Wei?"

Li Dejian nodded and said, "After returning, I told my father about my work in the Eastern Palace, but he refused to agree."

"No matter how much I talk to him, it's no use."

"He said that if I left, the father-son relationship would be severed."

Li Yuanchang asked curiously: "Then how did you get here in the end?"

Zhao Jie said speechlessly: "Everyone is here, how did you get here?"

Seeing Li Dejian's bitter smile, Li Yuanchang couldn't help but ask: "Are you really broken? Didn't Lord Wei break both of your legs?"

Li Chengqian smiled and said at the right time: "I would like to ask Lord Wei, is my East Palace a devil's den?"

"To come here to serve, you need to sever the father-son relationship. Such behavior is like roasting me, the prince, on the fire."

Hearing this, Li Dejian didn't know how to answer for a moment.

In fact, his falling out with his father was largely for show to outsiders, or strictly speaking, for His Majesty to see.

Now that the prince has done this, the problem has become serious.

"Look how scared you are. I was just kidding you."

Li Chengqian said with a laugh.

Zhao Jie and Li Yuanchang also reacted.

"You are so good, Li Dejian, you are teasing us."

The atmosphere of the scene suddenly became cheerful.

Even though on the surface Li Dejian had a falling out with his father Li Jing, in fact, as Li Jing's eldest son, his existence still had a strong influence.

Others would not think that the father and son have broken up. After all, this is the prince.

All we need to do is give an explanation to His Majesty for the sake of face.
-
On the first day of the first lunar month, there will be a great meeting.

Before dawn, Li Chengqian had already gotten up and changed his clothes.

For the Tang Dynasty court, the grand court meeting on the first day of the first lunar month every year was the most solemn and dignified time.

The grand court assembly was an important occasion for the emperor to demonstrate his supreme status and ruling authority.

The venue is Tai Chi Square in front of Tai Chi Hall in Tai Chi Palace.

The huge square was filled with ministers. All officials of some rank had to attend the ceremony at Taiji Square.

This was true not only for Tang officials, but also for envoys from vassal states. Li Shimin wore a crown and sat on the throne, accepting the worship of officials and envoys from various countries, and announcing his right to rule the country to the world.

This highly ritualistic activity strengthened the emperor's sacred status as the Son of Heaven and made his subjects more reverent and loyal to the imperial power.

As the most powerful country in the world, it is also the world's economic center.

The New Year's Day Grand Court Assembly was an important opportunity to showcase the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty to envoys from various countries.

The envoys from various countries brought with them rare treasures and gifts, and also witnessed the Tang Dynasty's strong strength in palace architecture, etiquette culture, military power, etc. This not only made the countries in awe of the Tang Dynasty, but also helped the Tang Dynasty to establish its prestige in the world and expand its diplomatic relations.

It sounds majestic and full of ceremonial sense, but to Li Chengqian, it is a bit boring.

Li Shimin and Li Chengqian didn't need to talk throughout the whole process.

Of course, in a scene like this, even if you shout at the top of your lungs, you won’t be able to hear it far away.

The emperor and the crown prince, like mascots, sat in front of the Taiji Hall, on the steps, looking at the crowds below.

According to the regulations, the first thing to do is the greeting ceremony.

As the sound of bells and drums rang out, Li Shimin stood up, and Li Chengqian also stood up and stood behind him.

Then, all the officials from all nations knelt on the ground and shouted "Long live the emperor".

Next was the presentation of congratulatory messages, in which senior officials such as the Minister of the Central Secretariat presented congratulatory messages to the emperor on behalf of the other ministers, expressing blessings to the emperor and wishes for the prosperity of the country.

Congratulatory letters are usually written in ornate language, with neat handwriting and beautifully framed, in eighteen copies.

Then, eighteen eunuchs with loud voices who were specially selected recited aloud together like a Western choir.

Then, envoys from various countries came forward one by one and presented the emperor with their country's rare treasures and gifts.

Officials from the Honglu Temple called out the names of the guests loudly and introduced the origins and significance of the gifts.

Next comes rewards and commendations.

The final part is the song performance.

When the final song of King Qin breaking through the enemy's formation began, it meant that it was almost over.

By this time, it was basically noon.

When everything was over, all the ministers knelt down, shouted "Long live the emperor", and finally left.

After that, there was a big banquet.

Only officials of the fifth rank and above can participate.

And the princes.

Li Chengqian also met his many brothers.

Including Li Chengqian, there were a total of nine princes sitting at the table.

Li Ke, King of Wu, Li Tai, King of Wei, Li You, King of Qi, Li Yin, King of Shu, Li Yun, King of Jiang, Li Zhen, King of Yue, Li Zhi, King of Jin, and Li Shen, King of Ji.

Although King Qi Li You was demoted to a commoner, he was still specially granted permission to attend the banquet.

Li Chengqian was in the first place, and on his left and right were Li Tai, Prince of Wei, and Li Zhi, Prince of Jin, the third legitimate son.

The others are arranged in order of seniority.

When the banquet started, Li Tai, the oldest prince of Wei, picked up his wine glass, stood up and said to Li Chengqian, "Cheers, elder brother."

This is the prince's majesty.

The other seven princes also raised their glasses and said, "Cheers, big brother."

Li Chengqian also stood up, raised his glass and said, "Let's drink together!"

This is a rare opportunity for brothers to meet.

But it was obvious that everyone was very reserved.

After all, everyone knew the struggle between the King of Wei and the Crown Prince, and no one wanted to or dared to get involved.

"Third brother, I heard that you have been doing well in Anzhou recently. The land in Anzhou is fertile. Remember to lead more people to open up wasteland and cultivate land, and build water conservancy projects."

Anzhou is Anlu in Hubei in later generations, which is also a famous grain producing area, but its level of development was relatively low in the Tang Dynasty.

Hearing his elder brother's words, Wu Wang Li Ke stood up, bowed and saluted: "I will follow your instructions."

Li Chengqian waved his hand, and the next was Prince of Wei Li Tai.

"Fourth Brother, you are building ships in Yangzhou, but you need to build more seagoing ships and control the quality. Whether we are fighting against Goryeo or Japan in the future, we will all rely on you."

Li Tai stood up and bowed, then replied with a fake smile, "Yes, big brother."

"Old fifth."

King Qi Li You was startled and quickly stood up and bowed.

"Hey, sit down."

Li You said bitterly: "Yes, brother."

The brothers had different expressions on their faces. They basically all knew about the rebellion of Prince Li You of Qi. Although they could participate this time, they might not be able to do so next year.

"Lao Liu."

King Li Yin of Shu groaned inwardly, and stood up and bowed, "Big Brother."

Li Chengqian said in a sharp tone: "You bastard, what kind of shit did you do in your fiefdom?"

"Beating officials and destroying people's livelihood is simply lawless."

"If you don't make corrections this time, you will go to Korea to fight."

King Li Yan of Shu had a violent temper, but in front of the crown prince, he trembled with fear and said quickly, "I will follow your orders, elder brother."

"Lao Qi."

King Jiang Li Yun bowed and said, "Big brother."

Li Chengqian scolded him: "You are not a good person either. No matter how greedy the officials are, they are not as greedy as you."

"What do you need so much money for? Are you going to recruit soldiers and start a rebellion as the governor of Anzhou?"

King Jiang Li Yun was so scared that he almost cried: "I would never dare to do that."

"Then do as the third brother does and cultivate the wasteland. If I hear you levying heavy taxes in Anzhou again, I'll be in trouble."

"I will follow your orders, brother."

Li Chengqian snorted coldly, and then shouted: "Old Eight."

Yue Wang Li Zhen was more confident and stood up and bowed: "Big brother."

Li Chengqian said: "You are still good, but don't listen to the slander of villains, understand?"

"You'll be sixteen soon. It's time for you to have your own opinions."

Yue Wang Li Zhen's face flashed with surprise, and then he replied: "I will follow your orders, elder brother."

"Child slave."

Li Zhi stood up and bowed, "Big Brother."

Li Chengqian said in a gentle tone: "The Lantern Festival is coming soon. Since you are the general of the Right Jinwu Guard and govern Wannian County, you must shoulder the heavy responsibility of maintaining order in Chang'an. Do you understand?"

Li Zhi said respectfully: "I will follow your instructions."

"Old Ten."

Prince Ji Li Shen stood up and bowed, "Big brother."

Li Chengqian said with some regret: "The person I trust the most is you, Old Ten. If I remember correctly, you were only eight years old when you were enfeoffed."

"Seven years have passed in the blink of an eye. I am very pleased with your performance in your fiefdom. You have not acted recklessly like your other brothers. You must remain kind and benevolent in the future and treat the people well."

When Prince Ji Li Shen heard his elder brother's approval, he was so excited that his eyes became red.

His voice was slightly choked with sobs: "I will follow your instructions, brother."

After the prince's lecture, fear arose in everyone's hearts.

The face of Wei Wang Li Tai was so gloomy that it seemed like water seemed to be dripping from it.

Originally everyone thought that the eldest brother was focusing on the struggle with the King of Wei, but it turned out that he knew the situation of everyone in their fiefdom clearly, as if he had placed spies around everyone.

But no one thought that the prince was talking nonsense. He himself knew his own situation best.

At this moment, during the banquet.

Fang Xuanling claimed to be ill and left the palace early to recuperate.

But after leaving the imperial city, he did not return to Wubenfang, but took another carriage and headed towards the Dali Temple.

The Dali Temple today.

Both the Dali Temple Minister and the Shaoqing attended the banquet.

There were already people waiting at the side door of Dali Temple.

The carriage stopped, and Fang Xuanling followed the waiting people and walked quickly towards the Dali Temple prison.

I didn't even see any patrolling guards along the way, so it was obvious that everything had been arranged long ago.

Soon, Fang Xuanling reached the depths of the prison and met the person he wanted to see.

"Yin Zhongcheng."

Yin Hongzhi looked up and said in surprise: "Fang Xuanling, why are you here?"

(End of this chapter)