My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 253 King Wei: How dare this young slave bully me?
Li Zhi looked bitter.

He didn't expect that his father would entrust him with the task of piloting the Crown Prince's new policy.

Isn't this like roasting him on the fire?

When the news reaches the King of Wei, what will he think? Will he feel that he has been deceived?

Li Zhi really didn't want to go against the King of Wei.

Li Shimin didn't think so much.

He was aware of the struggle between the Crown Prince and the King of Wei, but he did not know that there was already a rift between the King of Wei and the King of Jin.

After all, the fight for the throne was mainly between the five surnames and seven families on the side of the King of Wei.

How could the Prince of Jin have any intention of seizing the throne?

No matter how it turns, it will never be the King of Jin's turn.

Therefore, there should be no conflict between the King of Wei and the King of Jin.

Li Shimin was also aware of the background of his fourth son. He had literary talent, but was lacking in the area of ​​local governance.

Although he was given many official positions over the years, they were basically remote positions. Even as the governor of Yongzhou, there was no mention of him governing in Chang'an.

On the contrary, King Jin went to his fiefdom a few years ago and probably learned a lot.

After returning to Chang'an to serve as the General of the Right Jinwu Guard, he quickly made achievements. Not only did he clear out the remaining files, but he also managed Chang'an's public security in an orderly manner, which won praise from the people.

It would be best if the Crown Prince's new policies were handed over to the Prince of Jin.

If it is handed over to other officials, they may be blocked by the Five Surnames and Seven Affiliated Clan or even the Wei Wang Party, and it is unlikely to be effective.
-
Prince Wei's Mansion.

The news of the morning court spread quickly.

When Li Tai heard the news, he was so angry that he threw the porcelain cup given by the emperor to the ground.

"How dare Shu Zian bully me!"

Li Tai was very angry about the Prince of Jin's betrayal.

I didn't expect that Zhinu is a kid who says one thing in front of people and another behind their backs. He speaks nice words but actually uses all kinds of tricks behind people's backs.

The most important thing is that I was deceived.

"The King of Wei has mood swings. In my opinion, this is not what the King of Jin wants." Chai Lingwu spoke to comfort him.

Li Tai snorted coldly: "Whether it is what he thinks or not, does it matter? He is already doing it."

"Does this mean that if I order him to mess up the new policy pilot, he will do what I want?"

Li Tai knew very well that the prince was in Liaodong, and no matter what achievements he made, he would not dare to come back now.

The emperor's father has only three legitimate sons. Now that Prince Jin Li Zhi has taken over the pilot program of the crown prince's new policy, he will undoubtedly be able to stand out and accumulate political capital in this competition.

If Li Zhi achieved something, he would win more favor and trust from his father, which would threaten his own path to succession, so he would never allow Li Zhi to take advantage of this opportunity to rise.

Li Tai still had some precautionary ideas.

Moreover, Li Tai relied on the forces mainly composed of the Five Surnames and Seven Aristocrats. The reforms implemented in the pilot program of the new policy would inevitably break the existing interest structure and impact the vested interests of the power group behind him.

These forces are deeply rooted and control many key economic and political resources. Any new policy reforms will be met with their instinctive resistance. As the object of their support, Li Tai will naturally stand up to defend and prevent the implementation of the new policy in order to stabilize the support of his own camp.

In Li Tai's opinion, Li Zhi had previously behaved harmlessly and had not shown strong competitive intentions. He might even have regarded Li Zhi as someone who could be won over or at least kept neutral.

However, Li Tai felt deceived and betrayed by Li Zhi's taking over of the new policy pilot. Out of revenge and fear that Li Zhi would get out of control and become a serious threat, he also tried his best to stop the new policy from being implemented.

"What the King of Wei said is absolutely right, but the situation is now a foregone conclusion," Chai Lingwu replied.

Li Tai nodded. It was meaningless to threaten him again.

If we use force to threaten him, I'm afraid Zhinu will definitely report the matter to our father.

The new policy is a matter of great importance. If it makes my father unhappy, I will be the one who suffers.

"Then the pilot project will be ruined."

"Immediately arrange personnel to see where to choose. This king wants this pilot to be a mess."

Li Tai set the tone.

Chai Lingwu whispered, "King of Wei, this matter cannot be rushed. If we forcibly stop it, His Majesty may be displeased. The King of Jin has just taken over, and he must be walking around Chang'an City to investigate the people's sentiments. We might as well send someone to monitor his every move and find loopholes in his actions."

Li Tai frowned slightly, but a glimmer of hope ignited in his eyes: "Just watch him investigate? If he really makes some achievements, then we won't be able to suppress him."

Chai Lingwu chuckled, "Don't worry, King Wei. Chang'an is a complicated city with many forces intertwined. How can a young boy like him get everything done smoothly? We can secretly send people to contact the merchants and workshop owners who are most affected by the new policy and incite them to cause trouble for King Jin. As long as there is chaos and public opinion is overwhelming, we don't need to intervene. Someone in the court will impeach him and the new policy pilot will fail."

"Those merchants and workshop owners have always been the most thrifty. The implementation of the new policy will affect their interests, so they will definitely be willing to cooperate with us."

Li Tai's gloomy face finally showed a hint of cruel smile, and he nodded slightly and said: "Okay, I'll do as you say."

"Go ahead and do this. If you do it well, I will definitely reward you handsomely. But don't leave any evidence behind. If my father finds out, we will all be in big trouble."

After that, he paused for a moment and continued, "Even if we can ruin the pilot of the new policy, if some of the results are leaked out and seen by the emperor, I'm afraid it won't be a good thing."

"After all, it's not just our side. Father will definitely compare the situation of the Crown Prince in Liaodong."

Chai Lingwu thought for a moment and said softly, "What the King of Wei said is absolutely right. In my opinion, we have to prepare for both situations. On the one hand, we should plant spies in the court in advance. As long as the King of Jin submits a report on the pilot of the new policy, no matter how big or small the results are, the spies will find an opportunity to make trouble, question the authenticity of the data, and whether there are any violations in the implementation process, so as to muddy the waters and make it difficult for Your Majesty to judge right from wrong."

Li Tai nodded slightly, thinking that this plan was very good, and asked urgently: "What about the other side?"

"On the other hand, the King of Wei might as well take the initiative." Chai Lingwu stepped forward, a sly look in his eyes: "The Five Surnames and Seven Families have extensive connections. They can send some literati and scholars to pretend to be wise men from the people to go to the streets and alleys to publicize their 'unique views' on the new policy. They only say that this new policy looks fancy, but it is actually a waste of money and labor, and the time is short. The results at this moment are just illusions. In the long run, the people can't afford it."

"Once public opinion rises, public opinion will surge like a tide. Even if the King of Jin has real achievements, he will be drowned by this overwhelming public opinion."

Li Tai suddenly stood up and paced around the room. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that the plan was well-thought-out. He patted Chai Lingwu on the shoulder and praised him, "You are really thoughtful! Let's do it this way. You immediately arrange for the personnel and all the gold, silver and other valuables you need will be drawn from my treasury. We must not let anything go wrong at this critical moment."

Chai Lingwu bowed and said, "Please rest assured, King Wei."
-
East Palace.

Crown Princess Su Yu'er looked at the intelligence document in her hand, with a hint of worry on her face.

Here are some things about the prince in Liaodong.

Su Yuer didn't care much about most things, except for the Silla Holy Bone Jin Shengman, who made Su Yuer feel a little uncomfortable.

It's not about jealousy. It's normal for the prince to have other concubines.

But the situation is complicated now. Now in Chang'an, there are only her and Xiao Li Jue's mother and daughter.

"Mom, when will Yeye come back?"

"I haven't seen Ye Ye for a long time."

"I didn't see Yeye during the Chinese New Year." Little Li Jue is already six years old.

The six-year-old child can already speak very clearly, but he still doesn't understand many things.

Su Yuer put down the documents, gently took little Li Jue into her arms, and gently combed her messy hair with her fingers, her eyes full of doting and helplessness: "Jue'er, be good. Yeye has important things to do in Liaodong. After he finishes, he will definitely rush back without stopping."

She said this to comfort him, but she was unsure in her heart. Given the current situation, it was impossible to say that the prince had no intention of rebelling.

In the end, I don’t know if I can return or when I can return.

Little Li Jue blinked his big watery eyes, tilted his head and asked again: "Does Yeye miss Juer in Liaodong?"

Su Yuer paused, then comforted him: "Of course, Yeye is thinking about Juer."

Little Li Jue stretched his head to look at the document. He thought it was a letter sent by his father.

"What did Ye Ye say in the letter?"

Su Yuer smiled and said, "Ye Ye, tell Jue Er to study hard, and when he grows up, he can help Ye Ye."

Hearing this, Li Jue nodded seriously: "Jue'er must study hard."

Soon, little Li Jue had to go to study his lessons.

Looking at the letter on the desk, Su Yuer frowned slightly.

Because the crown prince was not in the Eastern Palace, the power of the Eastern Palace had shrunk dramatically. She heard this information from her father Su Tan.

Since the prince was away, Su Tan naturally became well-behaved in the Dali Temple.

After thinking for a while, Su Yu'er ordered the palace maid, "Ask the prince's eunuch Wen Zhong to come here."

After giving the instructions, Su Yuer picked up her pen and started writing the letter.

When Wen Zhong heard the news, he rushed over immediately.

Seeing that the Crown Princess was writing, he did not dare to disturb her and waited quietly.

After Su Yu'er finished writing, she put down her pen, sighed softly, and looked at Wen Zhong with a serious look: "Wen Zhong, you can see clearly the current situation in the court. The forces of all parties are undercurrents, and they are all watching every move of the East Palace. The prince is far away in Liaodong and has not returned for a long time. I am really unsure."

Wen Zhong hurriedly stepped forward and said with his head down: "I understand the Crown Princess's worries. His Royal Highness has always been kind and benevolent, but he is in Liaodong and lacks a few caring and smart helpers. I am also worried about this."

Su Yuer picked up the letter she had just written from the table beside her and handed it to Wen Zhong: "After much consideration, I have decided to send you to Liaodong. This letter was written by me personally. It contains a detailed analysis of the current situation in Chang'an, as well as some words to remind the prince. You take it to see the prince and be sure to hand it to him personally."

In fact, Wen Zhong knew many things more clearly than she did.

When the prince left Wen Zhong in the Eastern Palace, he also intended to coordinate intelligence.

The reason why Su Yuer wrote another letter herself was more to express her friendship.

The content of the letter is not important, what is important is the letter.

Now that they are separated from each other, Su Yuer hopes that she can still have a place in the prince's heart.

Wen Zhong took the letter with both hands and carefully put it in his arms: "Don't worry, Princess Consort, I will fulfill my mission and will definitely deliver the letter safely to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Having lived in the Eastern Palace for many years, Wen Zhong naturally knew what the Crown Princess was thinking.

"But the situation in Liaodong is complicated. If I go there rashly, I am afraid I won't be able to figure out the way and may miss something important."

After a slight hesitation, Wen Zhong asked again.

Su Yuer nodded: "Of course I have considered this. You have been in the East Palace for many years, you are smart and thorough in your work, and you have accumulated a lot of connections. This time, I will assign you dozens of smart and capable guards to protect you along the way."

Wen Zhong showed gratitude on his face: "Thank you for your consideration, Princess Consort. I feel more at ease now that I have more people. But how can I assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince after I go?"

Wen Zhong was a seasoned man and he knew very well that the Crown Princess must have other intentions when she asked him to go to Liaodong at this time.

Su Yuer paced and pondered for a moment, then said, "First, help me keep an eye on the prince's safety and make sure he doesn't get schemed against by others."

"Secondly, the situation in the court is treacherous. There are some things that I cannot convey in a letter. You should verbally tell the prince not to act impulsively and to focus on stabilizing his own foundation and taking things slowly."

"Third, the Silla Saint Jin Shengman has close contacts with the Crown Prince. You should observe secretly and see what she is planning. Is she really helping the Crown Prince, or does she have other intentions?"

Wen Zhong understood immediately.

One and two are secondary, the third point is important.

The Crown Princess was worried that the Silla Saint Kim Seung-man was a vixen who had bewitched the Crown Prince.

Wen Zhong also heard that Jin Shengman was extremely beautiful. She was already an old woman in her early thirties, but she was still valued by the prince. She must have something unique about her.

With his mind turning, Wen Zhong suggested, "Why don't you let the Roman princess accompany me to Liaodong, Princess Consort?"

"The Roman princess must be on the side of the Crown Princess. With her there, she will be able to take better care of the Crown Prince."

Wen Zhong's proposal made Su Yuer somewhat excited.

For the Roman princess Theodosius, there was no question of fighting for power, after all, she mainly wanted the support of the prince.

After spending some time together, Su Yuer gradually came to accept him.

Moreover, because of the Eastern Expedition to Liaodong, Theodosius had never been canonized as the Crown Prince's concubine, which meant that there would be no impact on Theodosius's trip to Liaodong.

Su Yuer nodded slightly, a thoughtful gleam in her eyes: "Your suggestion is feasible. The Roman princess is very loyal to the prince, and having her with him can indeed provide more care. But I still have to ask her opinion on this matter. If she is willing to go, then it would be great."

Wen Zhong bowed and replied, "The Crown Princess is wise. I will go and ask the Princess of Rome to come over and explain the situation to her. I believe the Princess is also concerned about the Crown Prince and will definitely agree."

After saying this, he hastily withdrew after getting the Crown Princess's permission and headed for the Roman Princess' residence.

Not long after, Theodosius and Wen Zhong hurried over. She was wearing a gorgeous long dress with an exotic style, and her eyes were full of anxiety: "Crown Princess Sister, I heard that there is news about His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"

Su Yuer stood up, took Theodosius's hand, and said softly: "There is no new news at the moment, but I am worried about the situation of the prince in Liaodong, and I plan to send Wen Zhong to assist. Wen Zhong suggested that you go with him, what do you think?"

Of course, Theodosius was willing to do so. His eyes lit up and he said without hesitation, "I am willing to do so! I look forward to helping His Royal Highness the Crown Prince day and night, but if I go there rashly, will it cause trouble to my trip?"

Su Yuer smiled and comforted him, "Don't worry, we will make arrangements along the way."

Theodosius nodded heavily: "Thank you for your trust, Princess. I will definitely live up to your trust."

Wen Zhong glanced at the Crown Princess and said, "The Crown Prince was in Liaodong and heard that he was bewitched by a Silla woman. This time we go there, we have to find out more about this woman."

Theodosius raised his eyebrows and said, "I want to see what this Silla vixen is up to."

Su Yu'er was very satisfied when she heard this: "With the two of you going, I can feel more at ease. Without further ado, pack your bags and prepare to leave as soon as possible. Wen Zhong, you must keep the princess's safety in mind."

Wen Zhong bowed and said, "Please rest assured, Crown Princess."

(End of this chapter)