My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 296: Announcement to the World, Dethronement of the Crown Prince
In Chang'an, inside the Taiji Hall, the atmosphere was so heavy that it seemed to be materialized, and one could almost squeeze water out of it.

The hall is decorated with carved beams and painted buildings, but is shrouded in a depressing atmosphere. The solemnity of the past now seems even more heavy.

Li Shimin sat high on the dragon throne, his face as gloomy as ink, his eyes burning with uncontrollable anger, and his whole body exuded a terrifying majesty, like a volcano about to erupt.

Below, Zhangsun Wuji, Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, Li Jing, Chu Suiliang and other important officials all stood in silence with their heads bowed, not daring to make a sound. The hall was so quiet that only the occasional heavy breathing could be heard.

Li Shimin tightly grasped the armrest, his knuckles turning white from the force. He was the first to break the silence, his voice low but full of unquestionable anger, every word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth: "I have given the prince a full month, but he is so good, not only did he not return to Chang'an, he even went further and gathered his own troops!"

"This is blatant treason. If I continue to tolerate it, where will the Tang Dynasty be?"

The voice echoed in the empty hall, and every word hit everyone's eardrums, making people panic.

Changsun Wuji's heart tightened. He knew very well that the prince had acted rashly this time, but it would be a pity to depose him just like that.

So he stepped forward, bowed and said, his tone full of earnestness: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince may have been confused for a moment and deceived by the treacherous people. I hope Your Majesty will give the Crown Prince another chance."

"Your Highness invented the curved plow, which made farming much easier for the people. He also defeated Goryeo and unified Liaodong. His contributions to the Tang Dynasty were huge and the people supported him. It is a pity that he is deposed because of a momentary mistake. I am afraid that it will chill the hearts of the people."

In fact, Changsun Wuji also understood that it was probably impossible to persuade him at this time.

But this is his duty. He is a member of the prince's party, a royal relative, and the prince's uncle. Naturally, he has to give the final advice at this time to fulfill his duty.

Li Shimin's eyes were wide open as he glared at Changsun Wuji. He was extremely annoyed and felt that Wuji was actually making excuses for the crown prince. Couldn't he see that the crown prince's actions posed a threat to the imperial power?
He slapped the armrest fiercely, and a crisp "pa" sound exploded in the hall: "You still want to excuse him? Haven't I given you enough chances?"

"He acted absurdly before, but I was always tolerant of him."

"I only think that he is young and playful when he raises an assassin."

"He formed a clique with court officials for personal gain. I thought he was new to the court and didn't know the rules, so I patiently taught him."

"But what about now? You are raising your own troops and resisting my orders. This is clearly an attempt to force me into a desperate situation. Where will the Tang Dynasty be placed?"

"He is determined to go against me! I will remember his contributions, but I will never tolerate his mistakes!"

Li Shimin was not unaware of many things, but he turned a blind eye to them out of consideration for the father-son relationship.

Wei Zheng took a step forward with a serious look. He knew very well that the position of crown prince was of great importance and if he abolished or enthroned the crown prince at this time, the consequences would be disastrous.

He bowed slightly, his tone calm but with a hint of urgency: "Your Majesty, deposing and enthroning the crown prince is a major national event and cannot be rushed."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is not only capable of governing the country, but also has taken actions that benefit the people. The introduction of the curved plow has made farming flourish in our Tang Dynasty, and the people live and work in peace and contentment."

"If we rashly abolish it now, it may cause unrest in the court and chaos in the hearts of the people. The prince may just be temporarily blinded by power. If Your Majesty can send someone to explain the righteousness of the matter, perhaps the prince can turn back from his wrong path."

"Your Majesty governs the country with benevolence, and your reputation spreads far and wide. This time, perhaps your benevolence can also influence the prince."

Wei Zheng was sincere. He used to have a bad impression of the prince, but some things that happened later gave him new ideas.

But Wei Zheng never expected that things would end up like this.

Li Shimin snorted coldly, feeling very annoyed. In his opinion, if the prince really cared about the people's hearts, he would not disobey the order!

He stood up and paced in front of the dragon throne, his robe sleeves swinging violently with his movements: "Turbulence? The crown prince now has his own army, won't that cause unrest in the court?"

"If I don't take action, how can I control my ministers and govern the country in the future?"

"If he had the Tang Dynasty and the people in his heart, he would not have done such a rebellious thing!"

"You have ignored every opportunity and now you are trying to use force against me. How can I tolerate this any longer?"

On the other side, Fang Xuanling stood up and said, "What Duke Wei said makes sense."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince has a strong foundation in the court and is popular among the people. If he is suddenly deposed, it will probably cause a lot of chaos. I hope Your Majesty will think twice before acting."

"Once the crown prince is deposed, how will the people who benefited from the curved plow and the people who surrendered in Liaodong feel?"

"Will they think that Your Majesty is heartless? This may have an adverse impact on Your Majesty's reputation and the people's support for the Tang Dynasty."

"I suggest that Your Majesty wait and see for a while to see if the Crown Prince has a chance to change his mind. This will both demonstrate Your Majesty's tolerance and avoid unnecessary turmoil."

This is adding fuel to the fire. It seems to be admonishing Your Majesty, but in fact it is just adding more fuel to the fire.

Li Jing was more realistic. Following Fang Xuanling's words, he said, "Your Majesty, if you depose the crown prince at this time, the soldiers will probably panic. The crown prince has made great military achievements in Liaodong, and many soldiers in the army support him. Your Majesty, please carefully consider the impact of this matter on the morale of the army."

"Besides, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has made great contributions to the history of agriculture. Such achievements should not be ignored. If the Crown Prince is deposed, the morale of the army will be dampened. If an external enemy invades at this time, how can the Tang Dynasty resist the enemy?"

"I am willing to personally go to the army and explain your majesty's will to the soldiers to stabilize the army's morale, but I hope your majesty will make a cautious decision on the matter of deposing and enthroning the crown prince."

Li Shimin frowned slightly, his expression softened slightly, but his tone remained firm: "It's not that I don't know this, but he has committed such a big mistake. If I don't punish him, how can I convince the people? As an emperor, my every word and action is a role model for the world. If I turn a blind eye to such a treasonous act, how can I convince the people of the world?"

At this point, Li Shimin had only two choices.

Or he could pass the throne directly to the crown prince and become the emperor emeritus himself.

Or the crown prince will be deposed.

There is no third option.

Having said this, the ministers had nothing more to say.

After all, everyone has spoken out to advise, and since His Majesty insists, it will have to be abandoned.

Seeing this situation, Chu Suiliang spoke.

He bowed respectfully first, then said, "Your Majesty, the position of the crown prince is related to the foundation of the country. If you want to depose him, you must do it legitimately."

"I suggest that you first list the Crown Prince's crimes and make them known to the world, so that the people and the ministers will understand that Your Majesty had no choice but to do this."

"But I am also worried that this move will cause the people to misunderstand your majesty's decision. After all, your Royal Highness's achievements are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people."

"The people may only see the crown prince's merits and find it difficult to understand your majesty's difficulties. Your majesty needs to consider the balance in this regard."

"I suggest that when announcing this to the world, we emphasize your Majesty's expectations for the crown prince and your past tolerance, as well as the fact that this dethronement is for the sake of the long-term stability of the Tang Dynasty. This may help reduce the misunderstandings of the people."

Chu Suiliang followed His Majesty's words, which was equivalent to making the final decision.

The other ministers were also silent. Judging from the current situation, the dethronement of the crown prince was a foregone conclusion.

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "Mr. Chu's words make sense. But even so, after the crown prince is deposed, who will take on this important task?"

When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall looked at each other, and no one dared to speak for a moment.

After all, if you are not careful when choosing a crown prince, you will be caught up in an endless political whirlpool.

After a long pause, Changsun Wuji said, "Your Majesty, I think that Jin Wang Li Zhi is kind, filial, respectful, frugal, tolerant and kind. He has a gentle temperament and treats people sincerely. He is usually respectful to Your Majesty and the ministers, and has never acted presumptuously."

"If the King of Jin inherits the throne, he will surely govern the country with benevolence, ensuring the stability of our Tang Dynasty and the people's peace and prosperity."

"The Prince of Jin is always by your side and is deeply influenced by your teachings. He will surely carry forward your ideas on governing the country. Moreover, the Prince of Jin is steady and there are not too many factional disputes in the court, so he will not cause drastic changes in the power of the court."

In fact, before Chang Sun Chong had the chance to tell his father about Li Zhi's visit to him, Chang Sun Wuji had already come to participate in the discussion between the emperor and his ministers.

But just as Wu Zhao had guessed, Zhangsun Wuji had no choice at all as to the candidate for the new crown prince. No matter how he considered it, he would not support the King of Wei and could only support the King of Jin.

Moreover, Prince of Jin Li Zhi had a kind personality and was easy to control, and the forces behind him were relatively simple. By making him the crown prince, his position in the court as a royal relative would be consolidated.

After hearing what Changsun Wuji said, Fang Xuanling, who was originally in the King of Wei's camp, suddenly fell silent at this time.

Having followed His Majesty for so many years, Fang Xuanling knew very well that His Majesty did not really want to select a new crown prince immediately.

There is not much meaning in expressing one's opinion.

The issue of establishing a crown prince concerns the foundation of the country, and one move can affect the entire body.

The situation in the court is now turbulent and complicated, with undercurrents surging from various forces. If you rashly express your support for King Wei, it may not only trigger a strong backlash from other forces, but may also put yourself in an irretrievable situation.

Moreover, every word spoken at this moment may become a handle in the future. If you are not careful, you will put yourself and your family in danger.

Chu Suiliang was anxious, and hurried forward and said, "Your Majesty, I think that Prince Li Tai of Wei is extremely intelligent, diligent and studious, and has a deep understanding of classics, history, and the way to govern a country."

"The King of Wei is a man of many talents and treats them with respect. He has gathered many knowledgeable people around him. If the King of Wei is made the crown prince, with his talent and ambition, he will surely make the Tang Dynasty more prosperous."

"The King of Wei has unique insights into state affairs and often proposes novel strategies for governing the country. He is truly the perfect choice for the Crown Prince."

"The King of Wei has shown outstanding talents in literature and government affairs. The Comprehensive Geography compiled by him has far-reaching significance for the territorial governance and cultural heritage of the Tang Dynasty. The succession of the King of Wei will surely create a new situation for the Tang Dynasty."

After hearing this, Li Shimin did not express his opinion immediately, but fell into deep thought.

His eyes swept across everyone's faces one by one, trying to find more profound meaning in their expressions.

Then he sat down slowly, tapping the armrests with his fingers, making rhythmic sounds, and each tap seemed to strike everyone's heart.

Wei Zheng stepped forward at the right time.

Although His Majesty wants to depose the Crown Prince, he feels that there is still hope for the Crown Prince.

If a new prince is appointed directly, there will be no room for maneuver at all.

So he spoke again: "Your Majesty, the selection of a crown prince is a major national event, which concerns the prosperity and decline of the country and the people's support. Whether it is the King of Jin or the King of Wei, you should take a long-term view and not make hasty decisions based on the words of the moment."

"The most urgent task is to stabilize the court situation and appease the people first, and then slowly make plans. Right now, the court is in a panic, and the people are also discussing the issue of the crown prince. If we rush to appoint a crown prince at this time, it may cause greater chaos."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, his expression softened a little, "I have made up my mind. The Crown Prince disobeyed my order, raised his own troops, and intended to rebel. His crime is unforgivable. I will announce it to the world tomorrow, dethrone him, and demote him to a commoner."

"Also, I have decided to prepare to attack Luoyang and completely put down this rebellion!"

"As for the selection of the new crown prince, I will not consider it for now. Once the situation in the court stabilizes, I will make the decision myself."

When everyone heard this, they were all shocked.

Zhang Sun Wuji hurriedly stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not allowed!"

"Luoyang City has high walls and thick walls. Moreover, the prince has the Thunderbolt Fire in his hand. Attacking Luoyang will surely result in heavy casualties. Once the war starts, the people will suffer. I hope Your Majesty will think twice!"

Li Shimin's face was gloomy and he remained unmoved: "Wuji, you don't need to say more. Since he dared to openly disobey my order and take over the army, I will never tolerate it! If we don't completely subdue him, how can the Tang Dynasty be stable?"

Wei Zheng also stepped forward and said earnestly: "Your Majesty, I understand your anger, but if you send troops to Luoyang at this time, how will the people of the world view you? Although the prince made mistakes, he has made great contributions. If you rashly send troops now, I am afraid that it will chill the hearts of the people of the world."

Li Shimin frowned, his eyes were like torches: "Wei Qing, I don't want to mobilize troops easily. But the prince has done this and has no intention of turning back. If we don't suppress it by force, how can we shock the world?"

Fang Xuanling clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I think that if we attack Luoyang at this time, logistical supply will be a big problem. Luoyang is located in the Central Plains and is well connected. If the war is delayed, it will be difficult to transport food and grass, which may affect the morale of the army."

Li Shimin pondered for a moment and said, "I have already considered this matter. I will order the Ministry of Revenue to prepare food and grass as soon as possible, and the Ministry of War to dispatch troops and horses, and make sure everything goes well."

Li Jing clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the troops to the battle, but I also implore Your Majesty to issue an imperial edict before the troops are dispatched, informing the Crown Prince that if he can turn back from his wrong path and give up his military power, he can be given a lighter sentence, which can also avoid the loss of lives."

Li Shimin nodded slightly: "What Li Qing said makes sense. You can draft an imperial edict and send it to Luoyang first. If he still insists on his wrongdoing, I will show no mercy!"

Di Xiaoxu, the Minister of the Left, stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I suggest that while preparing for the military, you should also pay close attention to public opinion in the court and among the people. People are in a state of panic right now. If we don't appease them, something unexpected may happen."

Li Shimin nodded and said, "This matter will be handed over to you and Zhangsun Wuji to jointly take charge of. You must stabilize the situation in the court and among the people."

Wei Ting, the Minister of the Honglu Temple, then said, "Your Majesty, the situation is complicated now. The surrounding vassal states may take the opportunity to spy on the strength of our Tang Dynasty. I suggest strengthening border defenses to prevent foreign invasion."

Li Shimin's eyes were firm: "Issue an edict. Immediately order the border guards to strengthen their vigilance. If there is any unusual movement, report immediately."

Minister of Justice Zhang Liang took a step forward, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, I will fully cooperate in investigating the Crown Prince's followers, ensure the safety of the rear, and not give the Crown Prince any opportunity to take advantage of it."

Shangshu Zuocheng Di Xiaoxu looked a little unhappy because he had a son in the Eastern Palace.

Xiao Yu, the Minister of Rites, bowed slightly and said slowly, "Your Majesty, no matter how the war goes, the dignity and majesty of the royal family must not be damaged. I suggest that during the military expedition, some sacrificial and ceremonial activities be held to calm the people and demonstrate the majesty of the royal family."

Li Shimin frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "What Xiao Qing said makes sense. I will consider this matter carefully. Once the arrangements for sending troops are in place, I will start preparations."

At this time, the sky outside the hall gradually darkened, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone through the hall door onto the floor of the hall, casting long shadows.

By tomorrow morning's court session, the edict deposing the crown prince will be announced to the world.

The Tang Dynasty is about to face a brutal civil war, and the outcome of this war will have a profound impact on its future.

(End of this chapter)