My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 188 The Crown Prince Escapes from Chang'an Under the Moonlight

The rear hall of the East Palace.

Li Chengqian held a soft jade in his arms.

However, the arrival of the eunuchs broke all this beauty.

After hearing the news, the eunuch Wen Zhong's expression suddenly became nervous.

He hurried into the palace, not caring that the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were hugging each other.

"Your Highness."

There was a slight tremor in the voice.

Wen Zhong knew the relationship between Li Anyan and the prince.

So at this time, Li Anyan sent someone to deliver the news that Fang Xuanling entered the palace late at night.

Although he didn't say what it was.

But who doesn’t have some ideas about the calculations here?

"What's the matter."

Li Chengqian let go of the Crown Princess and asked in a deep voice.

It was precisely because their flirting was interrupted that anyone would be annoyed.

The eunuch Wen Zhong glanced at the Crown Princess and whispered in her ear, "Li Anyan just sent someone to deliver a message saying that Fang Xuanling entered the palace late at night. I'm afraid something might have happened, so I'm informing Your Highness."

Hearing this, Li Chengqian frowned immediately.

Fang Xuanling entered the palace to meet the emperor late at night, obviously something important happened.

Otherwise it wouldn't be like this.

So what could it be about? Could it be related to me?

If Fang Xuanling had evidence of treason, he would not have to wait until night.

As the prime minister of the Tang Dynasty, he was the Shangshu Zuo Pushe.

Unlike other officials, Fang Xuanling would meet with the emperor every day and could report on the morning meetings of the ministers at any time.

Li Chengqian didn't know at this moment that Fang Xuanling actually had a lot of evidence of his rebellion.

So under normal circumstances, even if Fang Xuanling had met the emperor, it would be difficult to classify it as an appeal.

"Wen Zhong, what do you think?"

Li Chengqian asked with a frown.

The eunuch Wen Zhong gritted his teeth and said, "Your Highness, it's better to be safe than sorry."

"It will only be a few days before we set out to attack Goryeo. We can't allow any trouble to happen at this critical juncture."

Li Chengqian nodded upon hearing this.

Then he said to Su Yuer: "I'll go take care of some things first."

Su Yuer bowed slightly.

Leave the back hall.

Li Chengqian's face suddenly darkened.

He ordered, "Go, bring the Jade Lion of the Night, summon fifty cavalrymen, and follow me to the military camp outside the city."

Li Chengqian made a decision quickly.

No matter what happened to Fang Xuanling, even if there is only a one-tenth or one-percent chance of it happening.

Li Chengqian couldn't afford to gamble either.

At such a critical moment, only by protecting ourselves as much as possible can we plan for what comes next.

The East Palace is too close to the Taiji Palace.

The slightest change didn't even give him time to react.

The safest way is to leave the East Palace and go to the military camp outside the city.

If there really is a change.

The five thousand cavalry outside the city are the foundation of Li Chengqian's livelihood.

Even if the conspiracy was exposed, at this time, His Majesty would not easily announce it to the world and directly abolish his position as crown prince.

As long as it is not abolished, no matter how much doubt there is or how strong the evidence is, the case cannot be concluded without the defendant being there.

Everything must wait until the end of the Eastern Expedition to Goryeo.

"Wen Zhong, the affairs of the palace are now in your hands."

"Tomorrow at 3:30 pm, I will send someone to wait for news outside Qixia Gate."

"If there is a major change, there is no need to send anyone."

"If there is something dangerous and you can't go through the main entrance, you can send someone to go through the secret passage in Hibiscus Garden."

After Li Chengqian took over Furong Garden, he reopened the secret passage that was used by the Koreans for assassination.

The exit and entrance were readjusted.

"Your Highness, please rest assured."

"Your Highness, please mount your horse quickly."

Wen Zhong replied in a deep voice.

He knew the situation was urgent.

If an accident really happens, then the prince must leave the Eastern Palace without delay.

Once the guards from Taiji Palace come and block all the palace gates, it will be difficult to leave.

Li Chengqian nodded.

At this moment, the Zhaoye Jade Lion had been brought here.

Because Li Chengqian had a leg disease and often rode a horse, the Zhaoye Jade Lion was usually placed next to the palace.

Fifty Ti cavalrymen quickly arrived at their positions.

The reason why there are fifty riders is because they are responsible for Li Chengqian's guards and can be mobilized at any time.

If we call in more people, the delay will be too long.

At the prince's command, the guards ran to the stables.

Following closely on horseback.

Li Chengqian jumped on his horse and looked in the direction of Taiji Palace.

Then set off quickly.

drive.

A group of dozens of riders galloped on their horses.

Jiafu Gate.

The guard at the gate saw the prince riding his horse and bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Yeongheemon Guard: "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Exit Yanxi Gate and head south. There is a straight and wide road that passes through Eighteen Lanes and ends at Qixia Gate.

Li Chengqian wore a red and yellow uniform and rode a jade lion that shines at night.

Heading towards Qixia Gate, we hurried all the way.

The Jinwu Guards who were patrolling on the road watched from afar and immediately stopped to wait.

When the prince and his entourage passed by, they shouted loudly: "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

At this time, it’s the time difference that matters.

If Fang Xuanling reported the prince to be plotting a rebellion, even if Li Shimin wanted to seal the palace gates, he would have to send someone over.

As long as Li Chengqian is fast enough, faster than the people sent by Li Shimin, he can leave the city smoothly.

Once you leave the city, you can let birds fly in the sky and fish jump in the vast sea.

Even if it is a rebellion, what can I do to you?

Just like this, Li Chengqian led fifty cavalrymen and arrived at the gate of Qixiamen.

The city gates were closed during the curfew.

The curfew system in the Tang Dynasty was extremely strict. There were strict regulations and procedures for opening and closing city gates, which were managed by special city gate guards who took direct orders from the emperor.

Hearing the noise, the guards at Qixia Gate suddenly became nervous.

The city gate guard also hurried over.

When he saw who was coming, he was startled.

"Meet His Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Chengqian rode on his horse and ordered, "Open the city gate."

Upon hearing this, Chengmenlang's heart skipped a beat and he said respectfully, "Your Highness, please show us His Majesty's imperial edict."

Although the prince holds a high position and holds great power, the gates of Chang'an are the defense of Chang'an.

According to regulations, opening the city gates during curfew requires an imperial decree from His Majesty.

Even if there is urgent military information, the message must be transmitted through the hanging basket and the city gates must not be opened without permission.

Even if the Crown Prince came in person, the city gates could not be opened without the emperor's decree.

"I say, open the city gate."

Li Chengqian stared at Chengmenlang coldly and spoke word by word.

The city gate guard was sweating profusely.

He didn't know what was going on, and he didn't dare ask the prince why he opened the city gates and left the city after curfew.

But even a fool could understand that if the prince opened the city gate without the emperor's order, something big must have happened. And such things would often bring unimaginable turmoil.

"Your Highness, please show us His Majesty's imperial edict."

The city gate officer bowed and spoke again, then lowered his head deeply, not daring to say more.

Li Chengqian glanced at the gate guards blocking the way ahead, as well as the hundreds of guards behind and on the city gate.

He said calmly, "Pass on the order of the Crown Prince. The gatekeeper of Qixia Gate has offended me. He will be dismissed from office immediately and will go to the Ministry of Personnel tomorrow to await punishment."

When Chengmenlang heard this, he was relieved.

Without His Majesty's decree, he really could not obey the Crown Prince's order to open the city gates.

In itself, although the prince has great power, he cannot directly appoint or dismiss officials.

But Li Chengqian was the crown prince regent.

Within the power of the regent, one has the right to directly dismiss officials of the fifth rank or below.

This dismissal is not arbitrary. The formal dismissal process must be investigated and verified by the Ministry of Personnel before the dismissal document can be issued.

The City Gate Guard was of the sixth rank, which happened to be within the jurisdiction of the Crown Prince's Regent.

"I will follow the prince's orders."

The city gate officer replied respectfully.

"Step aside."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Chengmenlang immediately stepped aside, feeling relieved.

The prince is really good at handling things.

This way he doesn't have to take responsibility.

The prince's power was too great; how could a mere city gate guard like him afford to offend him?

"Open the city gate."

Li Chengqian gave the order again in a deep voice.

The gate guards looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

I had no choice but to turn my attention to the city gate guard.

The gatekeeper ignored him and turned his head away.

"Why don't you open the city gates?"

"Do you want me to open the city gate myself?"

Faced with the prince's pressure, many gatekeepers had no choice but to take action and open the city gates.

The city gate slowly opened.

Li Chengqian snorted coldly and led the cavalry out of the city.

The gate guards just watched the prince and his entourage of imperial guards disappear into the night.

"Why are you standing there in a daze? Hurry up and close the city gate."

As soon as the prince left, the city gate guard shouted loudly.

The guards reacted and pulled the capstan, and the rope pulled the city gate and slowly closed it.

The city gate guard immediately ordered: "Go and report to His Majesty immediately. The prince forced the Xia Gate to open and left Chang'an at night."
-
Taiji Palace, outside the gate of Chengqing Hall.

Li Anyan opened the gate, looked at Fang Xuanling and said calmly, "Prime Minister Fang has been waiting for a long time. Your Majesty is changing his clothes. Please let Prime Minister Fang wait in the main hall."

At this time, Fang Xuanling was not so anxious anymore.

The time of one stick of incense is enough to do a lot of things.

The Taiji Palace is only twenty steps away from the East Palace. During this time, Li Anyan has enough time to inform the prince.

After taking a faint glance at Li Anyan, Fang Xuanling followed the guards to the main hall, thinking in his mind as he walked.

Did Li Anyan really go to inform the prince just now?

If the prince knew that I had met the emperor late at night, what would he think and how would he act?

Should he continue to stay in the East Palace and wait for news, or should he leave the city first.

If the prince left the city directly after hearing the news, then for Fang Xuanling, it would be meaningless to inform on him at this time.

Given the prince's caution, if Your Majesty makes any move, he will surely set off immediately with 5,000 cavalry.

At that time, Your Majesty will have to keep the matter of the Crown Prince's rebellion hidden for the time being.

For Fang Xuanling, the loss outweighed the gain.

There is a high possibility that the prince is secretly taking revenge on him.

But what if the prince did not leave the Eastern Palace?

Would that mean missing this opportunity?

It's a rare opportunity and it's late at night.

Then we can only take a gamble.

As he was thinking this, Fang Xuanling soon arrived at the palace gate.

At this moment, Fang Xuanling's pupils shrank, and he suddenly saw a guard walking in from the small door on the east side of the courtyard gate.

The east side is the direction of the East Palace.

Looking at Li Anyan's expression again, he no longer showed any sign of nervousness.

Fang Xuanling was immediately certain that Li Anyan must have gone to inform the prince.

"Prime Minister Fang, you came at the right time. If you had arrived a little earlier, I'm afraid you would have disturbed your majesty's good mood." Eunuch Zhang said with a smile.

Fang Xuanling was silent for a moment.

It's not that he came at the right time, it's that someone made him come at the right time.

At this time, Li Shimin, who had already changed his clothes, walked out from the inner hall.

The complexion is rosy and the spirit is refreshed.

Fang Xuanling bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Li Shimin laughed: "No need to be polite, please take a seat."

After seeing Fang Xuanling sitting down, he asked, "What is it that you asked Fang Qing to come to the palace late at night to tell me?"

Hearing His Majesty's question, Fang Xuanling hesitated again.

I don’t know whether to say it or not.

At this moment, Fang Xuanling suddenly saw Li Anyan's hand out of the corner of his eye.

I saw that Li Anyan's right hand was already on the sword at his waist.

It is conceivable that when he told Li Anyan about the prince's rebellion, he would definitely draw his sword.

Fang Xuanling seemed to see it all.

When he opened his mouth to say that the prince was plotting a rebellion, Li Anyan drew his sword to kill himself, and then committed suicide to apologize.

"What are you hesitating about, Fang Qing?"

Li Shimin frowned slightly, and seeing that Fang Xuanling remained indifferent for a long time, he began to urge him.

At this moment, Li Shimin and Zhang Ananda were in an unknown situation.

Li Anyan's spirit was tense and there was a little sweat in his palms.

Just as Fang Xuanling had guessed, as long as someone accused the prince of treason, he would suddenly kill him and then commit suicide to apologize.

For Li Anyan, this is not a multiple-choice question, but a fill-in-the-blank question.

Because once Fang Xuanling reported the case to the prince for treason, he would be implicated and would not be able to escape death.

The crime of treason is punishable by death, and his son, his wife, and his old father will all be greatly implicated.

Beheading Fang Xuanling on the spot is also a capital crime, but if the prince saves him in this way, his son will surely become the prince's confidant in the future, enjoy power and wealth, and bring blessings to future generations.

"It's about the plague."

Fang Xuanling said with a sigh.

Li Anyan immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and his hand on the sword also fell quietly.

At the same time, I felt a little confused.

Could it be that I really misunderstood Fang Xuanling?

Did he really go to see the emperor so late at night just to report the plague?

If this is the case, then the prince must have made a mistake.

"Officials from Tongzhou and Yizhou have reported that there are suspected plague patients in their jurisdiction. They have been quarantined. I am worried that the disease may spread to Chang'an. I am worried that the disease will spread and cause irreversible consequences. That is why I came to the palace to report this."

Li Shimin nodded and said, "What Minister Fang said is absolutely right. I will immediately issue an edict to strictly check and block the merchants and people traveling between Tongzhou and Yizhou."

Fang Xuanling was not talking nonsense, the epidemic did happen.

After all, the Tang Dynasty had a prosperous business, with frequent movement of people, and infection was inevitable, especially in Chang'an. Whenever there was an epidemic, similar situations would always occur.

After further discussion on how to deal with the epidemic, Fang Xuanling left the palace.

Li Anyan felt a little anxious when he saw Fang Xuanling leaving like that.

I wonder what the prince will do after hearing the news.

Soon, news was reported from outside the palace.

Zhang Ananda was stunned when he heard this, and then reported to His Majesty.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince forced open the Xia Gate tonight and has already left Chang'an City."

(End of this chapter)