My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 244: King Jin is also a veteran actor
The main hall of Shenwu Palace.

A good show is about to take place.

Li Chengqian looked at the Silla Queen kneeling on the ground with a playful look.

He asked calmly, "Do you know your crime?"

Jin Deman quickly replied, "My king knows his crime. There are still some rebels in the country that have not been completely eliminated. They spread rumors and want to take advantage of the opportunity to cause trouble. My king suspects that they are Baekje spies who are deliberately trying to sow discord."

"My loyalty to the Tang Dynasty is evident to all. Your Highness, please do not be deceived by me."

Kindman also rose to power through political gaming, and his skill in passing the buck is as skilled as ever.

Things like the Silla Rebellion could definitely not be acknowledged.

The current Silla has no ability to stop the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.

The combat effectiveness of the 100,000 troops was uneven, so they could never be compared with the elite Tang army. Even the Goryeo soldiers were much stronger than them.

People have to bow their heads under the roof.

Li Chengqian just smiled and said, "But Queen Seondeok, your sister, didn't say that."

After saying that, Li Chengqian signaled Jin Shengman to speak.

Jin Deman's eyes narrowed, knowing that the most troublesome time was coming.

Jin Shengman took two steps forward and looked at her sister Jin Deman who was crawling on the ground, her heart filled with joy.

In Silla, every time she faced her sister, she would kneel on the ground like she did now.

Now, it is finally my sister's turn to kneel down.

It turns out that the sister who was so arrogant in Silla was just a humble ant in front of the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty.

"Your Highness, it is true that Queen Jin Deman of Silla colluded with Baekje and wanted to betray Your Highness."

"Before I came, Silla Minister Kim Chunchu had already secretly sent an envoy to Baekje to discuss countermeasures with them and secretly form an alliance."

"Their original plan was to wait until His Highness was at war with Baekje, and then Silla's 100,000 troops would turn against His Highness and launch a surprise attack on His Highness' camp."

Jin Shengman didn't care and directly revealed her sister's plan.

Of course, she had already told His Royal Highness the Crown Prince about these things.

I am saying this now for the people in the hall to hear.

Kindman felt a chill in his heart.

She didn’t expect that her cousin would betray Silla so thoroughly.

You know, she is the only remaining heir to the holy bone bloodline of Silla.

Besides myself, it's her.

Kinderman really wanted to question her at this time and ask her why she did this.

Is it because I'm not good enough to her?

Wealth and glory have never been lacking, and even if something happens, we will take extra care of it.

But why, betray her, and Silla.

But she understood that she should not question it at this time. Once she did, it would confirm the fact that Silla was rebelling.

Taking a deep breath, Jin Deman said calmly: "You said that Silla rebelled, but words are not enough, but what evidence do you have?"

Jin Shengman sneered: "Evidence? Isn't Jin Chunqiu's trip to Baekje the best proof?"

Jin Deman replied: "What did Jin Chunqiu go to Baekje for? How do you know? He was only ordered to persuade Baekje to surrender, and at the same time to find out the strength of Baekje and the matter of Baekje's alliance with Japan."

"This matter is based on the instructions given by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. It has nothing to do with the secret alliance you mentioned."

Li Chengqian frowned: "When did I ever say that?"

Jin Deman said respectfully, "The last time I came to Shenwu Palace, His Highness instructed me to fully understand the situation of Baekje. This mission is called persuading surrender, but in fact it is to gather intelligence."

Li Chengqian did not answer.

Last time, I did tell Silla to prepare for war, stockpile food and troops, and gather intelligence.

With this said, it can be considered as a convincing explanation.

As for the banner under which the Silla minister Kim Chunchu went to Baekje, it is meaningless.

It certainly cannot be called an alliance.

This is similar to what Li Shimin did when he arranged for envoys to go to Goryeo.

After hearing this, Jin Shengman was suddenly at a loss.

She didn't expect her sister to be so eloquent.

Don't think about it. Before Kindman came, he must have discussed with the ministers countless times, including possible problems, explanations for the rebellion, etc.

Besides, since Kindman can become the queen, her own qualities must not be low.

"So it seems that I have wronged you?"

Seeing Jin Shengman was a little flustered, Li Chengqian asked.

Jin Deman replied: "It is the fault of the young king. He failed to deal with some rumors better, which allowed the Baekje spies to succeed."

"This time, I am going there to explain this matter to Your Highness in person."

I have to say that Kindman is very sincere.

After all, she is the Queen of Silla. At this time, when Li Chengqian had already issued the manifesto, she was still able to come here on her own, with a clear conscience.

Under normal circumstances, it would be hard to say anything.

However, Li Chengqian himself had no intention of keeping Silla.

"What you said is somewhat credible. Although there is no physical evidence, there are witnesses."

“And the situation is extremely close to the current situation.”

"How about this, I will arrange for ministers to go to Silla to conduct a thorough investigation to see if there is indeed any injustice."

"If Silla really has rebellious intentions and secretly colludes with Baekje to bring about its own destruction, I will naturally not show mercy."

"If I was wrongly accused and framed by Baekje spies, I would have been wronged."

"How about this, if the investigation proves that Silla is innocent, I will reward Silla with fifty cities on the Baekje border."

Now, Li Chengqian is the strong one and Silla is the weak one.

People tend to sympathize with the weak.

In Liaodong, Li Chengqian could indeed do whatever he wanted, but his actions would inevitably be spread to the Tang Dynasty and often have far-reaching consequences.

Things like having a legitimate reason for doing so also need to be considered.

This is similar to Li Shimin now. Sometimes, one can no longer act on impulse.

To govern a place or a country, just like a large group company in later generations, the laws must be strict and the procedures must be clear. Why does a large group company often have to go through many seemingly useless procedures to do things?

Is it because the leaders of these group companies are just there to eat and do nothing?

of course not.

It is a rigorous and cumbersome procedure that seems useless but can actually avoid many risks.

If Li Chengqian acts recklessly, beating anyone he wants without caring about justice, when he is in charge of the entire Tang Dynasty, the people below will follow his example.

This is the case where the upper beam is crooked and the lower beams are crooked, and there may be more troubles at that time.

Therefore, even if it is a false accusation or a trumped-up crime, the process must be followed, at least on the surface, so that it cannot be criticized.

As for suspicion, that’s another matter.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

At this moment, Jin Deman didn't know what to say.

After all, the prince had said that if it was a false accusation, Baekje would be rewarded with fifty cities.

But for now, can I really clear my name?

Thinking about it, Kindman felt that it should be possible.

After all, the ministers of Silla would not speak nonsense about the alliance.

The matter was settled.

During the investigation, Jin Deman, the Queen of Silla, could only stay in Shenwu Palace temporarily and wait for the results of the investigation.

Li Chengqian also acted quickly. He immediately arranged for 10,000 troops, led by Su Dingfang and Pei Xingjian, to guard the capital of Silla and directly enter the capital to investigate.

By this time, the demise of Silla was already certain.

Su Dingfang's mission was simple. First, he had to arrest all the military ministers related to Silla and interrogate them, so as to further undermine the defense of the Silla capital.

Just weave a relatively complete chain of evidence.

After the New Year, the trial of Silla can begin.

In this way, Silla was conquered without bloodshed.
-
In the city of Andong, as the lights come on, inside a bustling restaurant, the laughter of guests and the clinking of glasses create a clamorous scene.

Under the carved beams and painted buildings, the warm yellow candlelight flickered gently in the breeze, filling the room with colorful lights. An exquisite screen separated a square seat, where Li Tai, the Prince of Wei, and Li Zhi, the Prince of Jin, sat opposite each other. The table was filled with delicacies, and the wine in the wine pot exuded a mellow aroma, which permeated the air.

Li Tai was wearing a dark-patterned purple robe, with gold-threaded cloud patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs, which made him look even more noble. At this moment, he had a faint smile on his face. He took the lead in picking up the wine bottle, raised it to the King of Jin opposite him, and said loudly: "Chi Nu, today is a rare opportunity for us to put aside the busy affairs of the palace and come to this street restaurant to relax. Come, have a few drinks with Fourth Brother!"

There was a hint of coercion in his tone, but Li Tai had always been like that towards Li Zhi.

Compared to the fat Li Tai, Li Zhi was thinner, wearing a plain brocade robe, with a look of immaturity and restraint between his eyebrows.

Seeing that Fourth Brother had invited him, he hurriedly held up the wine bottle with both hands, stood up, bowed slightly, and said respectfully: "Fourth Brother, if you are so interested, I will obey your order."

Then, he raised his head and drank it all in one gulp. The spicy feeling of the wine in his throat made him cough lightly a few times.

Seeing this, Li Tai couldn't help but laugh.

So what if he is the commander-in-chief of the Left and Right Jinwu Guards? A younger brother is still a younger brother.

With just one word, the difference between a child and a slave is immediately apparent.

But what Li Tai couldn't see was that when Li Zhi lowered his head slightly, there was a hint of shame, anger and resentment in his eyes.

You have to know that there are guards next to him. Chai Lingwu and Fang Yiai are also following Li Tai.

He keeps calling me by my nickname, showing no respect at all.

After several rounds of drinking, Li Tai's eyes gradually lost their initial enthusiasm and became deep and sharp.

He stretched out his fingers, gently stroking the edge of the wine cup, casually glancing at the bustling streets outside the window, and spoke as if he was chatting casually: "Ninth brother, look at the people coming and going in Chang'an City. It seems lively, but in fact, there are undercurrents. From the court to the people in this restaurant, who doesn't want to fight for the top spot and seek a high position? Don't you think this is reasonable?"

Li Zhi's heart suddenly tightened when he heard this. He looked up at his fourth brother, only to see his eyes like a knife, looking at him. Fine beads of sweat instantly oozed out of his forehead, and his hands quietly clenched the corners of his clothes, mumbling: "Fourth brother... This, this is such a profound matter, I am always stupid, I dare not make any rash comments."

At the moment, Li Zhi was very clear that he could not fall out with Li Tai.

Once they fell out, given his father's favor towards Li Tai, many unfavorable situations might arise for him.

Even though he often went to the palace, Li Zhi had to admit that when it came to doting on Li Tai, his father had always been more partial to him.

It is very likely that because of Li Tai, he would be removed from his position as commander of the Left and Right Jinwu Guards.

According to his original statement, he would return to his fiefdom after the eastern expedition to Goryeo.

However, Li Zhi has already changed his mind and is not willing to return to his fiefdom again.

Li Tai now has the ability to persuade his father.

If all parties join forces, even if they can retain Chang'an, they will probably encounter obstacles everywhere.

Li Tai snorted coldly, slowly put down the wine cup, leaned forward, and created a gust of wind, causing the candle flame to sway violently. He locked his eyes on Li Zhi like a hawk, lowered his voice, but every word was filled with a frightening threat: "Don't you dare to make irresponsible comments? You and I are born of the same father, and we are connected by blood. If you have some thoughts, don't think that others are blind."

During this period, Li Zhi, under the influence of Wu Zhao, had already shown some signs of becoming a veteran actor.

Maybe he was born with this ability.

Hearing this, he turned pale with fear. The handkerchief in his hand was already soaked with sweat. He waved his hands in panic and said repeatedly: "Fourth brother, I have absolutely no such thoughts! Fourth brother is very talented, well-educated, and deeply loved by the emperor. As for the throne... the throne, I have never had any unreasonable thoughts."

Li Tai slammed the table, causing the cups and plates on the table to clang. A few drops of wine splashed out, soaking the tablecloth.

"Zhi Nu, how dare you spread rumors!"

The fight for the throne is something that is done in secret. Even if everyone in the world knows it, it cannot be spoken out.

Once you say it out loud, it will be a sin.

Even if Li Shimin planned to depose the crown prince tomorrow, as long as his elder brother was still the crown prince today, he, as the younger brother, could only be the younger brother.

Li Tai's angry shout instantly chilled the air around them. Chai Lingwu and Fang Yiai exchanged a glance.
He quickly lowered his head and pretended to focus on the food and wine in front of him.

Li Zhi was so frightened that he bowed quickly, his eyes reddened with tears welling up inside, and he almost cried out, "Fourth brother, it was Zhinu who spoke out of turn! Zhinu is terrified, and only begs Fourth brother to forgive me this time."

Li Tai stared at Li Zhi who was bowing deeply. It took him a while to relax his expression and lean back in his chair. He picked up the wine glass and shook it gently. The wine in it reflected the candlelight, creating a dangerous shadow.

"Don't embarrass yourself here, or others will think I'm bullying you."

Li Zhi stood up trembling, wiped the beads of sweat on his forehead with his sleeve, and sat back in his seat, but his body curled up even more, like a frightened quail.

Li Tai seemed to be somewhat satisfied, and took another sip of wine, but his tone was still sharp: "Zhi Nu, you are a smart person, you know what to do and what not to do in this cusp of the storm. Fourth brother is not intolerant, as long as you behave yourself, you will get benefits in the future."

Li Zhi nodded hurriedly and said humbly, "Fourth brother's teachings, I will remember them in my heart and will never forget them."

At this moment, there was a sudden noise outside the restaurant, like a carriage galloping past, mixed with the shouting of the people. Li Tai frowned, distracted by the sudden noise.

Taking advantage of this gap, Li Zhi quietly raised his eyes, and the trace of shame and anger in his eyes was deeply hidden, replaced by a touch of determination that was difficult for others to detect.

Li Tai came back to his senses, picked up another piece of food with chopsticks and put it into his mouth, chewed it casually and swallowed it, then continued: "Winter is coming soon, and the palace is probably preparing for the winter sacrificial ceremony, as well as the great victory of the Eastern Expedition. As princes, you and I have to be busy, so don't make any mistakes at this critical moment."

"Yes, Fourth Brother, I will do my best to help you and will never let you worry."

Li Zhi placed his hands neatly on his knees, his face full of obedience.

(End of this chapter)