My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 197 King Wei: No one can stop me, not even Fang Xuanling

The most important affairs of a state are sacrifices and war.

At this time, Li Shimin still did not notice anything unusual.

The Eastern Expedition is about to begin, so it is normal for the Prince’s military camp to conduct military exercises.

After all, he could not have imagined that the prince's military exercises at this time were actually a preparation for a rebellion.

Looking at it from another perspective, Fang Xuanling actually did nothing but went to the palace to meet the emperor late at night.

Then the matter completely changed. The prince left the city overnight and the situation suddenly became tense.

As for intelligence, there was no information revealing any rebellion or news that the prince was preparing to start a rebellion.

Even if you search, you won't find anything.

It seemed like a tacit understanding between the Crown Prince, King of Wei, and Fang Xuanling.

The reason why Li Shimin was somewhat unhappy was that in his opinion this sacrifice was prepared entirely because of the prince.

If the prince had not had a dream that led to the city gates being forced open in the middle of the night, why would Li Shimin have gone to so much trouble to prepare for the ancestral temple sacrifices.

The army that marched eastward to conquer Goryeo had already set out two months ago. It was totally unnecessary to hold a sacrifice now because of Goryeo's affairs.

The sacrifice will be held tomorrow. As the protagonist of this sacrifice, the prince is so unconcerned. It's like a father making careful preparations for his son, but the son doesn't care at all.

As the emperor's eunuch, Zhang Ananda controlled the main intelligence exchanges between the palace and Chang'an City.

According to the current intelligence, there is no indication of anything unusual on the part of the Crown Prince.

So after receiving His Majesty's order, he sent an eunuch to convey His Majesty's edict.

the other side.

King Wei and Fang Xuanling were also closely and anxiously following the changes in the situation.

When the angel left the palace and headed towards the prince's camp.

This makes the situation even more serious.

In particular, Prince Li Tai of Wei immediately sent someone to his own military camp to report the news, asking Cui Shengyu and Fang Yiai to make preparations immediately and monitor the news from the prince's camp at all times. If there was any unusual movement, they would immediately put on armor and prepare for battle.

Under the gaze of countless people, the angel carriage carrying His Majesty's imperial edict drove all the way to the Prince's military camp.

"Your Highness, the angel will be here soon."

Inside the big tent, Su Dingfang said in a deep voice.

Li Chengqian nodded: "Okay, let's start preparing."

Following the prince's order, several military doctors came in and began to prepare medicine.

Soon, the whole tent was filled with the smell of medicine.

Li Chengqian took off his clothes and lay on the bed.

This is to pretend to be sick and get away with it.

Soon, the angel arrived.

As soon as I entered the big tent, I smelled the strong smell of medicine.

"This is."

The eunuch was a little confused.

Su Dingfang explained with a heavy face: "The prince was attacked by an external evil yesterday, and he developed a high fever at night, which has not subsided yet."

The eunuch subconsciously glanced at the situation inside the tent.

Su Dingfang, Li Dejian, and Helan Chushi all looked solemn.

Several doctors who were decocting medicine looked nervous.

The doctors' nervousness was not acted, they were truly nervous. As the prince's personal physicians, they certainly knew that the prince was not sick at all. They were just acting.

But why is the prince acting like this in front of the angels?

They didn't dare to ask or say more, and could only follow the prince's instructions.

Of course I was nervous about deceiving a saint.

"Your Majesty has ordered the Crown Prince to return to the palace immediately to prepare for the sacrifice."

"Just let me go back and report this first."

The eunuch was very helpless. Originally he wanted to go with the prince, but given the current situation, how could the prince go?
I can only go back and report it first.

After the eunuch left, Li Chengqian got up directly from the bed.

"I'm afraid we can't keep this secret." Helan Chushi said worriedly.

Li Chengqian said calmly: "It's just a stopgap measure."

Claiming to be sick is not to get the matter over with, but to give both parties a way out.

It doesn't mean to go against Erfeng directly.

Eunuchs left the same way they came.

Li Tai and Fang Xuanling were somewhat confused when they received the news, as they did not know the situation yet.

They couldn't stop the angel and ask him what was going on with the prince.

In Tai Chi Palace.

When Li Shimin heard that the prince was ill, he stood up immediately.

His face looked a little nervous.

This comes from the father's concern for his son. No father would doubt the first time he hears that his son is sick.

If the crown prince was like this, he would have been replaced long ago, and it wouldn't have come to this today.

"How ill is the prince?"

Li Shimin wanted to know more details.

But the eunuch hesitated and couldn't explain clearly.

In fact, when they were in the big tent, the eunuch also wanted to go forward to take a look, but several generals were watching them covetously.

It was as if he would draw his sword and chop him if he dared to take another step forward.

Under such circumstances, the eunuchs dared not look any further.

All he could do was reply, "The medicine is being boiled in the big tent. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is resting on the bed. He must be asleep."

Li Shimin scolded: "What use is there for you?"

"Ananda, quickly send a doctor to see the prince."

Zhang Ananda hurried to summon the imperial physician Shu.

Li Shimin was a little anxious and wanted to go and see it in person.

However, if the emperor left the palace, it would make too much noise and would not be very convenient.

After receiving the imperial edict, the imperial physician Shu did not dare to delay and immediately arranged for several imperial physicians to follow the eunuchs to the prince's military camp.

When the news spread, Prince Li Tai of Wei also heard about the prince's illness.

"This is an excuse. The prince is using illness as an excuse to not return to Chang'an."

Li Tai immediately understood the prince's thoughts.

If this is true, then it is very likely that the prince will be able to avoid this sacrifice.

Li Tai ordered: "Think of a way to prevent the prince from succeeding."

Chai Lingwu thought for a moment and said, "The prince will definitely not be able to hide it from the imperial physician, but he will most likely threaten the imperial physician."

"When these doctors come back from the military camp, we will intercept them on the road and intimidate and threaten them."

"So that they will not dare to commit the crime of deceiving the emperor."

Imperial Physician Shu acted too quickly. After all, it involved the safety of the Crown Prince, and the eunuchs followed him all the way.

By the time King Wei heard the news, he had no time to make arrangements.

The only way is to meet them on the road when they come back.

"Check which doctors went there."

“Make sure to get it done.”

At this critical point, the King of Wei no longer cared about the despicable means.

If the prince rebels, he will be the new prince.

In this situation, no means matter.

Chai Lingwu said in a somewhat gloomy voice, "Don't worry, King Wei, I will definitely get this done."

There was still enough time, as it was more than fifty miles from the palace to the military camp outside the city.

The whole trip took more than half a day even if we rode at full speed.

When it was afternoon, Chai Lingwu hurried to make arrangements.

The addresses, relationships, and connections of the three imperial physicians were soon discovered.

The power of the Wei Wang Party was demonstrated at this time, and it had a great influence on the aristocratic families.

Several imperial doctors still didn't know what would be waiting for them when they returned to the city.

The official office in the imperial city, the official residence of the Secretariat.

After Fang Xuanling learned the news about the imperial physician Shu, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

In fact, Fang Xuanling has already felt by now that the prince will definitely not return to Chang'an.

It all depends on how he avoids it. Claiming to be sick is undoubtedly the simplest and most direct way. If His Majesty does not raise any suspicion, then the prince can use this as an excuse to not participate in the sacrifice.

Perhaps I could also suggest to Your Majesty that we add some rituals to pray for the prince during tomorrow’s sacrifice.

Then after waiting for another two days, the prince recovered and the Eastern Expedition was successfully launched.

This farce is finally over.

Everything can wait until the prince returns.

Fang Xuanling felt that he was still very stable, after all, most of the evidence was already in his hands.

During the period when the prince was on the eastern expedition, he was also able to collect more evidence about the prince's rebellion.

It's impossible that the prince will never return to Chang'an after this eastern expedition.

Thinking of this, Fang Xuanling felt a lot more relaxed.

However, Fang Yizhi in Chang'an City was very anxious at this time.

Fang Yizheng also got some information about Chai Lingwu's mobilization of Wei Wang's party members to make preparations.

He knew that at this time, he could not provoke the prince to rebel.

This is not the result the father wants to see.

So he immediately contacted the Fanyang Lu family and the eldest son of the Lu family, Lu Zhijie.

The Five Surnames and Seven Families themselves are also complicated. Because of the relationship with Fang Xuanling's wife, although the Lu family of Fanyang is also considered a supporter of the Wei Wang Party, they are closer to Fang Xuanling.

After all, Fang Xuanling was the Shangshu Zuo Pushi, a high-ranking official who was in charge of state affairs.

The career development of the Fanyang Lu clan depended to a large extent on Fang Xuanling.

The King of Wei was famous, but in terms of actual power, Fang Xuanling was unmatched in the entire court, and there were very few who could compare with him. His only political rival was Zhangsun Wuji.

Wei Zheng, Chu Suiliang and others were demoted to a lower level.

Therefore, after hearing Fang Yizheng's request, Lu Zhijie did not hesitate to help and hinder Chai Lingwu's actions.

Yankangfang, Prince Wei's Palace.

Li Tai’s face was gloomy: “Lu Zhijie, Mr. Lu!”

"What does Fanyang Lu mean by betraying me at this time?"

Chai Lingwu whispered: "Lu Zhijie said that he followed the arrangements of Fang Jiadalang."

Li Tai's pupils shrank: "Is this what Mr. Fang meant?"

Chai Lingwu shook his head slightly: "Mr. Fang is still in the imperial office and has not given any instructions. This is the eldest son of the Fang family's own idea."

Li Tai snorted coldly: "So Fang Yizhi secretly defected to the crown prince?"

Chai Lingwu thought for a moment and said, "It shouldn't be. Fang Yizhi is the most filial and it is impossible for him to violate Mr. Fang's arrangement."

"I'm afraid it's in accordance with Mr. Fang's wishes."

Li Tai felt confused.

What is not Fang Gong's, and what belongs to Fang Gong.

"Speak more carefully."

Chai Lingwu analyzed: "I guess Lord Fang probably doesn't want to force the crown prince to rebel at this time."

Li Tai's voice was a little angry: "Why, why did Mr. Fang do this?"

Now is the best time. As long as the prince rebels, he will surely succeed in seizing the throne.

Chai Lingwu explained: "Maybe it's because Lord Fang doesn't want to see the country in turmoil. After all, the prince has 5,000 cavalry and Hou Junji's support."

Li Tai gritted his teeth: "Women's kindness, Fang Mou Du Duan, Fang Mou Du Duan!"

"Everyone knows that Lord Fang is an unparalleled strategic thinker, yet he is wavering at a time like this."

"This king does not want to wait, nor does he want to wait."

"The night is long and dreams are many. When we return from the Eastern Expedition, who knows how many changes will occur."

“Lingwu, you personally bring the guards from the palace and arrest Lu Zhijie for me.”

Li Tai didn't care about so many things. This was the best opportunity and he didn't want to miss it.

Even if it means getting into conflict with Fang Xuanling, he would not hesitate.

As long as the Crown Prince raises an army, Your Majesty will depose him.

He should be the crown prince.

When it comes to the fight for the throne, there can't be any mercy.

What does death matter? What does turmoil matter?

It's just a matter of recuperating for a few more years. For the sake of my throne as the crown prince, it doesn't matter if the soldiers and the people suffer a little.

Li Tai made up his mind.

Chai Lingwu led the palace guards and went straight to arrest Lu Zhijie.

Of course, this arrest was not so harsh, it was just temporary house arrest. Generally speaking, the Lu family of Fanyang was still a member of the King of Wei's party, and it was not entirely up to Lu Zhijie to decide.

So at this time, we can't go too far.

"Crazy, the King of Wei is crazy."

"What does he want!"

Fang Yizheng was a little out of control. He didn't expect that at this time, the King of Wei would be so decisive and follow the example of the Crown Prince to suppress the situation directly.

It has to be said that Li Tai was indeed influenced by the prince.

In the past, he would just send people to stop them instead of sending guards directly. But now Li Tai discovered that the prince's strong style often achieved very good results.

Like now.

Fang Yizheng wanted to leave, but Chai Lingwu shook his head slightly and stopped him in the courtyard: "Please forgive me, Brother Fang also needs to wait here."

Fang Yi pointed at Chai Lingwu and shouted, "Chai Lingwu, you dare to stop me?"

He had the confidence to do so, as Fang Xuanling's eldest son and the future inheritor of his father's title, Duke of Liang.

Chai Lingwu is a level lower than him.

"I don't mean to stop you, Brother Fang."

"I am only following the orders of the King of Wei."

"When Mr. Fang is off duty, Brother Fang will be able to leave naturally."

Chai Lingwu's tone was very tactful, but his attitude was firm.

As the confidant of King Wei, he would naturally prefer to see the prince rebel.

The King of Wei succeeded in his bid for the throne, and from then on he was regarded as a meritorious official.

When the King of Wei becomes emperor, he will take Fang Xuanling's position.

Shangshu Zuo Pushe, Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty, and Chief Executive of the Imperial Court.

Who can not be moved?
"Let's see who dares to stop me!"

Fang Xuanling didn't believe it and rushed out.

He wanted to tell his father the news.

Chai Lingwu naturally would not show mercy. He snorted coldly, and several guards around him immediately stepped forward and surrounded Fang Yizheng.

Fang Yizheng wanted to rush out, and the guards didn't dare to draw their swords, but they had no problem holding Fang Yizheng tightly.

Being held like this by three or four big men, Fang Yizheng really had no way out.

"Brother Fang is here, take a good rest."

Chai Lingwu walked out. Now that no one was stopping him, he was going to continue with his work.

Outside the city, the prince’s military camp.

The eunuch and the three imperial doctors looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Please forgive me, generals. We are here on the orders of His Majesty."

The leading eunuch said with some headache.

Now they were stopped outside the tent.

Su Dingfang snorted coldly: "Your Highness has just drunk the medicine and is resting now."

"Can you afford to affect His Highness's condition?"

The eunuch said helplessly: "But Your Majesty."

Li Dejian said, "It's nothing, His Majesty is also concerned about your illness, so he sent someone to visit you."

"The military doctor has examined the prince and found that his condition has stabilized. He just needs to rest well. If you want to see him, you have to wait until he wakes up."

The eunuch hesitated and said, "Then let's wait for His Highness to wake up."

I obviously won't be able to explain to His Majesty if I go back without even seeing the person.

Su Dingfang nodded and said, "Then go to the next tent and wait."

The eunuchs and imperial doctors were arranged to stay in a nearby tent.

There was also a team of soldiers guarding the door.

Li Chengqian now has only one word to describe himself: delay.

(End of this chapter)