My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 200 If it’s not a rebellion, why should we be afraid?
Five thousand cavalry.

Anyone who knows anything about military affairs knows what a terrifying force this is.

Erfeng wanted to use it to protect the prince's safety on the battlefield.

But now it has become a bargaining chip to threaten the emperor.

The reason why the four ministers all suggested not to provoke the prince was basically because of these five thousand cavalry.

What's more, they had witnessed the prince's archery prowess with their own eyes.

Five thousand heavy cavalry, plus a skilled archer like the prince, had a huge impact on the outcome of a small-scale war.

Even if all the imperial guards in Chang'an were dispatched, would it be possible to keep the prince?

I'm afraid not.

This is the importance of military power. If Li Chengqian did not have these 5,000 cavalry.

Would the ministers still advise the emperor in this way?

That is to investigate thoroughly and clear the prince's name.

Unfortunately, the prince does not seem to be innocent.

After repeated persuasion from several ministers, Li Shimin finally gave up the idea of ​​suppressing the prince.

But some things, once they appear, are not so easy to end.

After several ministers left.

Li Shimin stood at the entrance of the courtyard in front of the main hall, speechless for a long time.

Zhang Ananda stood by with his head bowed.

Li Shimin's expression changed several times under the moonlight.

Finally, he slowly opened his mouth and said, "Ananda, am I really wrong?"

"If I had not given the Crown Prince military power, none of this would have happened, right?"

If there has been a first rebellion, the second one won’t be far behind.

Zhang Ananda hesitated and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is kind and filial. He must have been framed."

Li Shimin shook his head slightly: "If you have no shame in your heart, why should you be afraid of others."

Speaking of this, Li Shimin's tone was somewhat sad.

"They told me that the prince was worried that someone would frame him, which led to the fallout between father and son."

"Although I have favored the King of Wei over the years, I have never lacked anything for the Crown Prince."

"Without solid evidence, what will I do to the Crown Prince? Isn't the Crown Prince aware of this himself?"

"But now, what is the prince afraid of?"

"The prince is afraid, but when the so-called evidence is placed before me, I will believe it and depose him from the position of crown prince."

"Ananda, do you think I am a tyrant?"

"Will I become as foolish as Emperor Wu of Han before I reach old age?"

Zhang Ananda said quickly: "Your Majesty is a saint."

Li Shimin didn't care about Zhang Ananda's answer.

These words sound more like what I am saying to myself.

"I am not a tyrant. If I were, then there would be no wise rulers in the dynasties since ancient times."

"So, why is the prince afraid? Why is he afraid of the evidence? Why does he think that I will not believe him, but others?"

"Why would they dare to rebel under such threats?"

Li Shimin was a smart man. If he was not, he would not have reached his current status.

Even because the prince is a son, he is neglected.

But after some analysis by these ministers, Li Shimin easily grasped the essence of the matter.

So, why was the prince afraid and why did he dare to do something like rebelling?

there is only one truth.

Those so-called evidences are real evidences and irrefutable evidences.

The prince is really preparing for a rebellion.

Because it is real, so be afraid.

Because it is true, we have to rise up in arms and rebel.

Because it was true, the prince was unwilling to be killed, unwilling to return to the East Palace, and dared not take part in the sacrifice.

Zhang Ananda was trembling all over.

He didn't expect that His Majesty had already thought of it to this extent.

I wanted to say something to persuade him, but after thinking for a while, I didn't know what to say.

Based on what Your Majesty said, this could only be the reason why the prince was afraid.

Otherwise, apart from treason, what else in this world could scare the prince?

Zhang Ananda remained silent, and Li Shimin had no intention of asking further questions. He stopped talking and did not continue.

Even now, Li Shimin is very clear that the prince is really plotting a rebellion.

He finally relented.

In fact, Li Shimin had already felt it during the meeting just now.

But he did not say it in front of several ministers.

Because once it is said, there is no room for maneuver.

Li Shimin did not want to, nor was he willing to, depose the crown prince.

The prince has proven his excellence.

When it comes to inheriting the throne, it is more than just about being qualified.

Only after Qin Shi Huang utilized the remaining strength of his six predecessors was he able to unify the country.

Which emperor does not hope that his descendants will have wise rulers?

The crown prince's succession to the throne would enable him to continue the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and restore the reputation of the Tang royal family. It would also be the best choice for Li Tang.

At this moment, Li Shimin could either deceive himself or pretend to be ignorant.

He didn't want to see the prince rebelling, nor did he want to see the prince plotting rebellion.

As long as there is no evidence that the prince is plotting rebellion, how can it be considered as such?

The prince has military power now, but he will not always have it.

Not entering Chang'an now does not mean that you will always be inferior to Chang'an.

Wait until you return from the Eastern Expedition to Goryeo.

Then cut off the prince's wings and take away his military power.

He ordered him to concentrate on handling government affairs and to succeed to the throne after he was old.
-
The next day.

The setting sun in the distance rose early.

Everyone in the prince's military camp is already wearing armor.

Li Chengqian was wearing military uniform and sitting in the big tent.

I haven't slept all night since last night.

However, this is not a burden for Li Chengqian. Even if he doesn't sleep for two or three days, it won't have much impact.

Li Chengqian understands military tactics and also understands Erfeng.

If the two phoenixes force the pressure, they will definitely attack the military camp at night and surround it with a large army.

However, Li Chengqian was not afraid, because more than 20,000 kilograms of black gunpowder were already in the military camp.

With this black gunpowder, if he wants to leave, no one in this world can stop him.

Even Erfeng herself can’t do it.

Helan Chushi reported: "Your Highness, there is no unusual movement in Chang'an City."

Chen Yunchao sent someone to deliver the news that the curfew was lifted and the city gates were opened. He then sent people to investigate what was happening in Chang'an City.

"Keep exploring."

"Yes, Your Highness."

In fact, Li Chengqian had already breathed a sigh of relief after dawn.

Although we haven't received any news from the inner palace yet, what is certain is that since Er Feng did not mobilize troops last night, there is a high probability that he will not do so today.

Perhaps this matter has come to an end by now.

Two days to go.

The army will march out, and the dust will settle by then.

The palace was still very lively at this time.

The ancestral temple sacrificial ceremony is being held.

Li Shimin also adopted Fang Xuanling's suggestion and added some rituals to pray for the prince.

King Li Tai of Wei naturally came.

Seeing my father perform the ceremony so calmly, I felt a little confused.

He had heard that even his father's eunuch Zhang Ananda, holding an imperial edict, was unable to see the crown prince. Last night, his father had summoned four of his trusted ministers to discuss important matters.

Although I don’t know what the final result of the discussion was.

But the prince must give an explanation for his reckless behavior.

Father, are you just going to ignore this?
Or are you planning to wait until after the sacrifice?

However, after the entire sacrifice was over, there was no movement from the emperor's side, which made it seem as if all the news he received yesterday was false.

So Li Tai plucked up the courage to ask, "Father, why don't you see my elder brother?"

This is to remind my father.

Li Shimin looked at King Wei calmly.

Who would frame the prince?
Even with my eyes closed I could figure it out using my toes; it must be the King of Wei.

Who else could it be except the King of Wei?
"Your elder brother is ill and is now resting in the military camp."

"I have asked someone to check it out. It should be nothing serious."

"Qingque cares so much about your elder brother, why don't you go to your elder brother's military camp to visit him?"

Hearing this, Li Tai shrank his head in fear.

Going to visit the prince's military camp, are you thinking that death is not fast enough?

If I really go, I might be killed by the prince as a sacrifice.

"We have obtained a top-quality goblin in our mansion. We will send it to you, elder brother, as a token of our appreciation."

During the Tang Dynasty, there were many elegant names for ginseng, and Dijing was one of them. Others included Shencao, Huangshen, Tujing, Zhemian Huandan, Guigai, Renxian, etc.

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "I think your elder brother will definitely be grateful to you."

Li Tai smiled awkwardly.

Thank you for killing me cleanly and neatly.

Li Shimin asked again: "How are the preparations for the expedition going?"

Li Tai replied: "We have prepared everything, we can set off as soon as the time comes."

Li Shimin said: "Go back and prepare a few things, and set off tomorrow."

Li Tai was stunned.

I don't understand what my father means.

But since my father said so, I can only respond: "Yes, father."

Li Shimin nodded.

Letting the King of Wei set off early will also help him miss the Crown Prince.

King Li Tai of Wei took the water route. After setting out from Chang'an, he did not go to Luoyang, but first headed northeast along the road on the north bank of the Wei River, passed an important ferry crossing of the Wei River, and after crossing the Wei River, continued to head northeast and entered the current Hedong Road.

Cross Hedong, enter Hebei, and then go to Laizhou.

Then they assembled a fleet in Laizhou, crossed the Bohai Strait and other waters, and headed towards the coastal areas of Goryeo.

It was noon.

Li Chengqian has received the news that the ancestral temple sacrifices were proceeding normally and have ended.

As for His Majesty, there has been no further movement since Zhang Ananda was sent last night.

However, Li Chengqian still found out that Li Shimin had urgently summoned four ministers to discuss the matter in the evening.

Because the commander of the guards on duty at night was Li Anyan.

Although Li Anyan didn't say it, Li Chengqian could guess that last night must have been a great torment for Li Anyan.

The discussion between the emperor and his ministers was different from ordinary audiences. Even the commander of the imperial guards like Li Anyan was not qualified to listen.

So Li Anyan didn't know what was talked about in the hall.

However, the best outcome is that Your Majesty does not take any action.

"It seems that your majesty will not take action."

There was a hint of relief in Helan Chushi's tone.

Although I know that His Majesty definitely did not believe that the prince was ill, it is a good thing that he did not take any action.

"It may be a cover-up, Your Highness must be on guard."

Su Dingfang was a shrewd man. He could not let his guard down as long as the army had not set out.

Li Chengqian nodded.

We really can't let our guard down, because no one knows whether Erfeng will make a surprise attack at this time.

But relatively speaking, I am not as nervous as before.

This matter seemed to have just fallen into place.

It was not until the afternoon when I received the news that King Wei would set out the next day that I felt more at ease.

At this moment, Li Chengqian had already guessed Erfeng's thoughts.

Before the Eastern Expedition to Goryeo, Erfeng did not want to cause unrest.

Even if there is suspicion, we will have to wait until after this eastern expedition to Goryeo to deal with him.

But by that time, can Erfeng really deal with him?

That's not necessarily the case.

June 28, the 17th year of Zhenguan.

The King of Wei went to war.

There were more than 8,000 cavalrymen in total.

Unlike Li Chengqian, Li Tai mainly traveled by water, so he did not need to carry too much baggage and food.

Three thousand pack horses are enough, and the rest are just supplies along the way.

Li Tai naturally did not ride a horse, but sat in the newly built luxurious carriage.

This carriage was pulled by two horses and was much larger and taller than ordinary carriages.

Li Tai sat in the carriage, feeling the coolness under his butt, and felt very satisfied.

"Really good stuff."

"The prince's method of making ice is indeed miraculous."

Li Tai felt that he was not going to fight, but rather to have fun.

The cavalry following closely around also made Li Tai feel more at ease.

But he still urged the team to move faster.

He wanted to go to Weishui as early as possible, the farther away from the prince the better.

Once we leave Chang'an, I feel like my life will be less protected.

The prince will not miss the opportunity to show mercy to his men.
-
After the King of Wei led his army to war, it was soon time for the Crown Prince to go on his own expedition.

Two days passed quickly.

Li Chengqian did not relax his vigilance and kept the army on alert.

Now that the time has come, a few days won’t be a big deal.

But it was obvious that there was still no movement from Erfeng's side.

Everything became quiet and peaceful.

This also gave Li Chengqian more time to prepare.

The first thing is the matter of the court newspaper.

The official report naturally cannot be stopped because of Li Chengqian's departure, so most of the content of the sections has been planned in advance.

After much deliberation, Li Chengqian finally handed the responsibility of the court report to Di Zhixun.

Di Zhixun entered the officialdom through the imperial examination. He was able to stand out from many candidates, which showed that he was very capable.

Finally, the time came to the first day of July in the seventeenth year of Zhenguan.

Different from King Wei’s hasty departure.

As the crown prince, Li Chengqian naturally had to have a ceremony before going to war.

The venue for the expedition ceremony was mainly at Suzaku Gate.

early morning.

The sun rose at dawn, shining upon the five thousand fully armored cavalrymen.

The prince in the front is wearing golden armor, looking very majestic. The bright armor reflects a dazzling light, making him look like a celestial general.

The area within a hundred meters was under martial law, and the people had already gathered there and were watching from afar.

At this time, Li Shimin was already standing on the tower of Suzaku Gate.

From below, he looked down at the prince who was riding a horse.

From now on, it seems that the prince is not sick at all.

Li Chengqian had already ridden his horse to the city gate. He stopped and looked up, holding the reins.

The eyes of the father and son met and collided at this moment.

(End of this chapter)