My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 274 Do You Really Want Me to Depose the Crown Prince?

Inside Tai Chi Palace.

Li Shimin shouted: "Enough!"

This angry shout resounded like thunder in the hall, instantly breaking the tense atmosphere.

The ministers were frightened by the sudden roar and fell to their knees, not daring to breathe.

The hall suddenly became quiet, with only the sound of heavy breathing coming one after another, as if telling of the tension and depression brought about by this heated argument.

Li Shimin's face was as gloomy as the sky before a storm. He glanced coldly at His Highness and his ministers, feeling mixed emotions.

The heated debate in the court regarding the crown prince was like a sharp sword, piercing straight into his heart.

Although no decision was made on the spot, the words of the officials, especially their concerns about the expansion of the prince's power, were like a huge rock, weighing heavily on Li Shimin's heart and making it hard for him to breathe.

After everyone left the court, Li Shimin was the only one left in the huge Taiji Hall.

Sitting alone on the dragon throne, he stared ahead with empty eyes, and the fierce confrontation in the court just now kept replaying in his mind.

The prince's unauthorized issuance of paper money in Liaodong has already touched the foundation of the country's finances.

The vigorous implementation of the new policy and the exceptional promotion of new people have led to the quiet rise of a new force in Liaodong.

Li Shimin knew very well that power was like a ferocious beast. If it was not checked and balanced, it would backfire on itself.

He was worried that the prince's power would grow too great and difficult to control. If, as the ministers said, the prince was planning a rebellion, that would be the beginning of a civil war.

It was not a palace coup like the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

Instead, the entire Tang Dynasty would be plunged into the quagmire of war.

Once the world changes.

Will the winner really only come from the father and son?

Heroes are made in troubled times, and heroes all over the world will surely take this opportunity to rise up.

The Tang Dynasty might just like the Sui Dynasty, perish in the second generation.

But how could Li Shimin bow to Li Chengqian?

How could I possibly admit defeat to my son?
-

After the morning court session, Fang Xuanling returned to his mansion and went straight to his study.

His steps were heavy, and he was thinking about what happened in the court today.

As an important official in the court, he knew Li Shimin's thoughts too well. The prince's behavior did cause many hidden dangers, and Li Shimin's hesitation was precisely weighing the pros and cons.

After all, the prince is the heir to the throne and cannot be easily touched, but the expansion of the prince's power threatens the stability of imperial power, which puts Li Shimin in a dilemma.

Fang Xuanling had previously secretly sent people to Liaodong to carefully investigate the prince's situation there.

It was learned that the prince was conducting large-scale military training in Liaodong.

The original Tang Dynasty Military Academy in Chang'an had no more than 500 students.

At that time, there were more than ten schools in Liaodong.

There are thousands of students in the Military Academy alone.

The prince also hoarded a large amount of money and grain. Granaries were built one after another, and the treasury was filled with gold, silver and treasures like mountains.

The reason why there were so many money and grain was because the prince conducted a large-scale trial of the nobles in the three kingdoms of Goryeo, Silla, and Baekje.

During the Three Kingdoms period, almost 90% of the nobles had their homes raided and all their property confiscated.

As a result, the prince's inner treasury was already full.

At the same time, armament manufacturing was also carried out in full swing. The fire in the weapons workshop was blazing, and the craftsmen worked day and night to create batches of sophisticated weapons. Even the powerful Thunderbolt was being produced in large quantities.

A large number of factories were opened near the former capital of Goryeo. The number of craftsmen alone reached tens of thousands, more than that in the Tang Dynasty.

At this time, Fang Yizhi walked into the study. Seeing his father's serious face and frowning eyebrows, he couldn't help but ask softly: "Father, what will His Majesty decide on the matter of the crown prince in the court today?"

Fang Xuanling frowned slightly, walked slowly to the window, looked at the scenery outside, and seemed to be thinking about how to word.

After a long while, he slowly said, "Your Majesty's thoughts are hard to predict, but judging from today's situation, you are already wary of the Crown Prince."

"The Crown Prince has issued paper money in Liaodong without authorization, and has vigorously promoted new policies and promoted new people. His power is growing. How can Your Majesty not be worried?"

"The imperial power is supreme. Your Majesty will not easily let go of any factor that may threaten the imperial power."

Fang Yizhi nodded in agreement, and then said, "Father is right. Although the Crown Prince's move has contributed to the development of Liaodong, it has also touched upon the interests of all parties in the court, and has attracted opposition from many ministers."

"Your Majesty has always attached great importance to the stability of the country. Now that the Crown Prince's power is expanding, I'm afraid he may be unable to sleep or eat."

"Moreover, the debate among the ministers in the court today was so intense, and each of them held a different view, which made it difficult for Your Majesty to make a decision."

Fang Xuanling turned around, paced around the study with his hands behind his back, and continued to analyze: "Your Majesty is thinking of the father-son relationship. After all, the crown prince is the heir to the throne that he carefully cultivated, and the crown prince's new policies have indeed been effective in Liaodong, which has led to the development of the local economy and the people living and working in peace and contentment."

"I am also worried that the prince's power will get out of control and threaten the imperial power."

"It's so difficult to strike a balance between imperial power and family affection. At this moment, he must be very conflicted. Before making a decision, he must have weighed the pros and cons repeatedly."

Fang Yizhi pondered for a moment and said, "In my opinion, Your Majesty may eventually take measures to limit the power of the Crown Prince."

"I just don't know how His Majesty will act? Will he hold the person accountable directly, or will he take a more subtle approach?"

Fang Xuanling stopped, looked at Fang Yizhi with deep eyes, and said: "No matter how your majesty acts, we must act with caution."

"The Crown Prince's affairs are so complex that if we are not careful, we will be doomed to failure."

"I have secretly investigated the prince's situation in Liaodong. You can take this document to find the King of Wei."

As he spoke, Fang Xuanling handed the record to Fang Yizheng.

Fang Yi went straight to it, then opened it and flipped through it for a few times. He was immediately shocked by the numbers recorded in it.

"The prince already has such power."

Fang Xuanling sighed, "The prince is blessed by nature."

At this time, Fang Xuanling actually felt a little resentful towards His Majesty.

Isn't it good to live a peaceful and stable life?

If Your Majesty did not favor the King of Wei, how could the Crown Prince have caused so many troubles?

He didn't need to get involved in the royal dispute.

Wouldn't it be nice to let the prince succeed to the throne smoothly?

If the prince had not launched an expedition to Goryeo, the situation would not be like this today.
-

Li Tai was extremely surprised when he learned that Fang Yizheng was coming to visit him.

Even though he had the support of the Five Surnames and Seven Families, Li Tai knew that even if he overthrew the crown prince, the person he really needed to rely on if he wanted to successfully inherit the throne was Fang Xuanling.

After all, the power of the Five Surnames and Seven Families is mainly local and cannot influence the decision of my father.

There are only a few people who can influence my father's decision.

Li Tai understood that he could not rely on his uncle Changsun Wuji. Now that the relationship between Changsun Chong and Prince of Jin had spread like wildfire, his uncle Changsun Wuji would definitely oppose him.

But the good thing is that in addition to Fang Xuanling, Chu Suiliang, who is now by my father's side, is also on my side.

Li Tai attached great importance to Fang Yizheng's arrival.

This is equivalent to a signal released by Fang Xuanling.

Usually, Fang Yiai was the one who conveyed some matters, but the eldest son of the Fang family never participated in them.

In order to express his importance, Li Tai personally went to welcome Fang Yizheng to the study.

The study is decorated luxuriously yet elegantly, with the scent of sandalwood adding a touch of tranquility.

Li Tai smiled and said, "Brother Fang's visit today really makes my house shine." Fang Yizhi didn't want to talk much, so he just handed over the record and said, "King of Wei, this is the information my father secretly found about the crown prince in Liaodong. I hope King of Wei can make good use of it."

Li Tai opened the record, his eyes lit up as he read, and he said excitedly: "Haha, this is a godsend!"

"If I can present this evidence to my father, the position of crown prince will definitely belong to me."

Having said this, he paused for a moment, and then continued: "Brother Fang, if you and I join hands, we will surely accomplish great things."

Fang Yizhi said with some concern: "King Wei, you need to be cautious in this matter. Although your majesty is wary of the prince, after all, there is a deep affection between father and son. If you do too much, it will cause your majesty's disgust."

"Moreover, the prince also has some supporters in the court. We cannot take it lightly."

Li Tai nodded slightly, agreeing with Fang Yizhi's concerns, and said: "Brother Fang is right. The relationship between the emperor and the prince is deep. If we act too hastily or use inappropriate means, it will be counterproductive. But now that the prince's power in Liaodong is so huge, we must come up with a comprehensive plan."

Seeing the contents of the document, Li Tai was happy but also shocked.

The prince's development in Liaodong was so terrifying that Li Tai felt scared.

Just Goryeo is already so difficult to deal with.

Now the prince has integrated Goryeo, Silla, Baekje, and has Thunderbolt.

Compared with the former Goryeo, it is many times stronger.

Even if the Tang Dynasty launched another expedition to the east, the prince would rely on the advantages of terrain and city defense, and I am afraid that his father would be unable to do anything.

But then again.

Since Li Tai couldn't become the crown prince, he stayed in his small piece of land in Liaodong.

In this way, the position of Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty will be his.

Liaodong could be defended, but if it wanted to counterattack the Tang Dynasty, it would be beyond its capabilities.

At this time, Chai Lingwu, who had been sitting nearby, said, "King Wei, Brother Fang, I have an idea."

Li Tai nodded: "Tell me about it."

Chai Lingwu continued, "We all know that what your majesty values ​​most is the stability of the Tang Dynasty."

"Now that the Crown Prince has become more powerful in Liaodong and has been reluctant to return to the court, it seems that he is trying to establish his own rule."

"The prince has accomplished his great mission and unified Liaodong. Despite such a great achievement, he has not shown any intention of returning to the court."

"Isn't this just self-reliance?"

"As long as Your Majesty issues an imperial edict ordering the Crown Prince to return to the court, if the Crown Prince does not return, Your Majesty will have no way out."

"Your Majesty will not sit idly by for the sake of the stability of the Tang Dynasty and the dignity of the imperial power. If the Crown Prince openly disobeys the order, it would be a blatant rebellion, and Your Majesty will have no choice but to depose him."

"The King of Wei will then become the only candidate for the Crown Prince."

Li Tai's eyes lit up and he said, "Yes, if this is the case, then Father will definitely be able to dismiss the Crown Prince."

Fang Yiai, who had little presence, spoke up at this time: "What if the prince obeyed the imperial edict and returned to the court?"

Li Tai laughed out loud.

This was the first time he felt that the silly Fang Yiai was very cute.

"If the prince returns to the court, it will be a great thing for this king."

Fang Yiai heard this and touched the back of his head, feeling a little confused.

Seeing his brother like this, Fang Yizheng was speechless.

After all, Fang Yizhi was there, so Chai Lingwu explained: "If the prince returns to Chang'an, your majesty will no longer be afraid of him, and Liaodong will not be a talisman, but a death warrant."

Fang Yiai nodded as if he understood, but his eyes were still confused.

Li Tai smiled and explained to Fang Yiai: "After the prince returned to the court, he would be alone in Chang'an without the support of Liaodong's forces."

"We can then unite with the other ministers in the court to impeach the prince for his actions in Liaodong, citing his many crimes such as issuing paper money without authorization, privately training troops, and amassing wealth."

"Your Majesty is already wary of the Crown Prince's power. When faced with the impeachment of the ministers, he will definitely punish the Crown Prince severely."

"In this case, the position of Crown Prince will still fall into my hands."

The most important thing is that as long as the prince returns to Chang'an.

Li Tai no longer has to be afraid of the crown prince.

Fang Yizhi said: "There is no time to lose, we must act as soon as possible."

"King Wei, please pass this record to Chu Suiliang through the Five Surnames and Seven Families, and ask him to find a suitable time to present it to my father."

Li Tai nodded and said, "Don't worry, I will make proper arrangements."
-

The next day.

The emperor and his ministers discuss matters in Taiji Palace.

Chu Suiliang reported: "Your Majesty, I recently received a very important secret report about the Crown Prince's situation in Liaodong. After repeated consideration, I feel that this matter is of great importance and must be presented to Your Majesty for review immediately."

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's heart tightened and he signaled Chu Suiliang to present it.

Zhang Ananda took the document and placed it on the dragon table.

Li Shimin looked through the documents.

At first, his brows were only slightly furrowed, but as the content deepened, Li Shimin's expression became increasingly gloomy.

Li Shimin had a general idea of ​​the prince's situation in Liaodong.

After all, Li Daozon has been reporting secretly.

However, the records in the documents are more detailed than those of Li Daozon.

Li Shimin could not have imagined that the prince's power had become so huge.

If things continue in this way, the prince will have tens of thousands of cavalry in Liaodong, and a large number of warships.

In addition, there is the siege weapon called Thunderbolt.

If they can develop for a few more years, they might actually be able to counterattack the Tang Dynasty.

By then, it will be too late to regret.

At this time, Li Shimin had to consider one thing.

Prince, are you really planning to rebel?
Even though the father and son have a deep affection for each other, the prince's actions now seem to have completely proved what he was thinking.

"You all, please take a look too."

Li Shimin asked Zhang Ananda to deliver the documents.

Wei Zheng, Yang Shidao, Fang Xuanling, Xiao Yu, Li Ji, and Cen Benwen all fell silent after reading it.

In this situation, even Wei Zheng and Yang Shidao didn't know how to speak to the prince.

After all, the facts are here.

"Let's adjourn."

This time, Li Shimin did not listen to what others said, but gave the order with a sighing tone.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

After everyone left, Li Shimin leaned back on the dragon chair and asked the eunuch Zhang Ananda: "Ananda, Cheng Qian, do you really want to rebel?"

This time, Li Shimin no longer called him the crown prince.

After a brief silence, Zhang Ananda replied, "I don't know."

Li Shimin sighed, and then said: "Issue an imperial edict that the crown prince has made great contributions to the unification of Liaodong. He should return to the court within three months and hold a celebration banquet."

(End of this chapter)