My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 356 Release Hou Junji

Lai Ting Fang, a villa garden.

Prince Li Tai of Wei and Prince Li Zhi of Jin came to listen to the government affairs.

"This is like a sheep walking into a tiger's mouth, Fourth Brother, do you think our eldest brother will just kill us?"

Li Zhi asked with some fear.

Of course I don't want to come, but my father has already given instructions.

At this time, all you can do is obey.

"Don't worry, all the officials are here, and Big Brother won't dare to do anything to us."

Li Tai glanced at Chu Suiliang and felt relieved when he saw him nod slightly.

How can the prince still keep his seat on the throne when his brothers are killing each other in front of all the civil and military officials?

"His Royal Highness is here!"

Following the eunuch Wen Zhong's loud shout, Li Chengqian came out.

"Meet His Highness the Crown Prince!"

"Your Majesty, please excuse me."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Li Chengqian, sitting on the dragon throne, looked at Li Tai, Prince of Wei, and Li Zhi, Prince of Jin, with a sneer.

"Qingque Zhinu, you are so brave that you dare to appear in front of me. Do you really think I dare not kill you?"

Li Tai bowed quickly and said, "Brother, please calm down. We are here to listen to the emperor's orders."

Li Zhi said fearfully, "Brother, please understand. We were confused for a moment and were instigated by the villain. We had no intention of offending anyone. I hope you will spare us this time for the sake of our brotherhood."

Li Tai also hurriedly explained: "Brother, I was really just deceived. I will never dare to do it again. Please have mercy on me."

Li Chengqian sneered and raised his hand to stop the two from making excuses: "Enough! How can you quibble in the court? If we don't punish them today, where is the dignity of the royal family? What is the use of laws and regulations? Come, punish them with fifty strokes of the cane!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers in the hall all changed color.

Li Tai and Li Zhi were also trembling with fear.

Fifty strokes of the cane is not a small punishment; it is almost the same as death by beating.

This is to directly kill the King of Wei and the King of Jin.

Zhang Sun Wuji was the first to step out of the line and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince! The Prince of Wei and the Prince of Jin are your Majesty's beloved sons, and they are still young. They acted impulsively. I hope Your Highness will consider the deep affection between brothers and be lenient with them!"

As an uncle, all three of his nephews are his, so of course I can’t just stand by and watch.

Fang Xuanling also stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, fifty strokes of the cane may endanger your life. Please think twice. His Majesty has temporarily appointed you as regent. If the brothers kill each other at this time, it may chill His Majesty's heart and cause unrest in the court."

Li Chengqian's eyes were like knives, sweeping across the two important officials: "Do you think I abused private punishment? Royal children who break the law are guilty of the same crime as common people! Since they dare to do something wrong, they must bear the consequences. If I don't punish them today, will they ride on my head in the future?"

Chu Suiliang bowed and said, "Your Highness, I believe that punishment should be based on laws, but the consequences must also be considered. Your Majesty asked Your Highness to supervise the country because he hoped that Your Highness would show benevolence and wisdom, rather than fighting violence with violence. Fifty strokes of the cane is too harsh!"

Li Chengqian sneered: "Doctor Chu, are you teaching me a lesson?"

"How can you plead for someone who has committed a treasonous act? Do you think that laws and disciplines can be trampled on at will?"

"Suzaku Street openly attacked me, and secretly mobilized the imperial army to besiege Laitingfang. Naturally, they will be punished."

Chu Suiliang said in a deep voice: "I only know that the purpose of punishment is to punish evil and promote good, to serve as a warning to others, not to vent personal anger. If Your Highness insists on doing this, although it can shock everyone, it will also make people afraid and lose the support of the people. This will do Your Highness no good in governing the country!"

Just when the two sides were in a stalemate, Wei Zheng stood up.

"Your Highness, although what you said makes sense, your majesty cannot be challenged. In my opinion, the fifty strokes of the cane can be reduced to ten strokes. This will punish the King of Wei and the King of Jin for their mistakes without endangering their lives. It will also demonstrate your benevolence and majesty. What do you think?"

Li Chengqian said: "Fifty strokes is too much, ten strokes is too little, then let's just give it twenty strokes."

"Okay, no need to say more."

"Come here, drag the King of Wei and the King of Jin out and execute them!"

Pei Xingjian bowed and said, "Yes, Your Highness."

Several imperial guards directly carried Li Tai and Li Zhi out.

The two did not dare to argue. When you are under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

Although twenty strokes of the cane were painful, they were not fatal.

They also knew in their hearts that they must let the prince vent his anger.

Perhaps, this was also within the calculations of my father.

Soon, screams were heard in the hall. Li Tai gritted his teeth and held on, but Li Zhi had already been crying non-stop.

When the ministers heard this voice, they each had their own thoughts in mind.

After the execution, Li Tai and Li Zhi were dragged back into the palace. Their clothes were tattered, their buttocks were covered in blood, and they could not even stand steadily.

Li Chengqian looked at the miserable state of the two people, a smile flashed in his eyes.

These two guys are going to suffer a lot.

Not taking their lives is already the greatest mercy.

After all, this is not the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, where a random killing will be enough.

During the period of great unification, there are still some things to be careful about.

Li Shimin came to power by killing his brothers, but he also hated killing brothers to gain power.

The news reached the palace.

Not only was Li Shimin not angry, on the contrary he was somewhat happy.

Since the King of Wei and the King of Jin have been punished, it means that the prince will not kill his brother.

At least not for now, which made Li Shimin feel relieved.
-
After retreating from the court.

Fang Xuanling returned home.

Fang Xuanling was a little conflicted at this time. What happened today made him feel that His Majesty might really want the Crown Prince to succeed to the throne.

In the study of Fang Mansion, the scent of sandalwood incense rose up, but it could not dispel the solemnity in the room.

Fang Xuanling leaned on the tiger-skin chair, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the square on the desk with the inscription
The cracks on the edge of the Duan inkstone "given by Emperor Zhenguan" are particularly eye-catching under the candlelight.

"Father has been restless since he returned home today."

Fang Yizheng knelt on the mat, looking at his father's furrowed brows with concern.

"But what happened in the court?"

Fang Xuanling sighed and pushed the secret report on the table over: "Yizhi, take a look. The Crown Prince caned the King of Wei and the King of Jin. It seems to be a punishment for the brothers, but in fact it is a sword pointing at them."

After a pause, the old voice was full of fatigue: "I'm afraid it's directed at Your Majesty." Fang Yizhi unfolded the secret report, his eyes swept over the handwriting, and his expression changed slightly: "The prince's move was indeed cruel. But Chu Suiliang, Wei Zheng and others dissuaded him, and the prince finally reduced the punishment, which can be regarded as leaving room for maneuver."

"Father, are you worried that Your Majesty will test the Crown Prince?"

"More than a test!"

Fang Xuanling sat up straight abruptly, and his robe sleeve swept the paperweight off the table.

"When your majesty ascended the throne after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, the most taboo thing was brothers killing each other and fathers and sons alienating each other. But now the crown prince's punishment has established his authority without taking his life. It seems to be comprehensive, but in fact it is testing your majesty's bottom line."

Fang Yizhi pondered for a moment and said, "Father, what should our Fang family do? If the prince really succeeds to the throne, it will be difficult!"

Fang Xuanling rubbed his temples.

"I have followed your majesty for decades, from the rise of the army in Taiyuan to the prosperous Zhenguan era, and we have known each other well. If I turn to the prince now, I will be betraying my master; but if I stand against the prince, I will be betraying my master."

Thinking of Li Chengqian's cold eyes in the court today, a chill ran down my spine.

"During the time when the crown prince was governing the country, he had already begun to build up his power."

Fang Yizhi frowned and said, "Father, are we just going to sit there and wait for death?"

"Of course not."

Fang Xuanling stood up and paced back and forth, the hem of his robe brushing against the blue bricks, making a rustling sound.

"Tomorrow you go visit Chang Sun Chong and feel out his feelings. The Chang Sun family has a close relationship with the royal family, and Chang Sun Wuji is your majesty's confidant. If you can find out his position."

"But father, will Chang Sun Chong tell the truth?"

"He had to say it."

Fang Xuanling stopped and looked at him intently.

"In the court today, Zhangsun Wuji was the most anxious to plead for the King of Wei and the King of Jin. He was worried about the damage to the royal bloodline, and even more afraid that the crown prince would use this opportunity to purge dissidents. But he also knew that if he really broke with the crown prince, the court would be in chaos."

Fang Yizhi hesitated to speak: "Father, if the prince takes the throne and settles accounts with those who blocked his way today, including us."

“That’s why we need to prepare for a rainy day.”

Fang Xuanling picked up the teacup on the table, but found that it was already cold.

"When you go to see Chang Sun Chong tomorrow, you can hint to him that the Fang family is willing to join forces with the Chang Sun family to jointly maintain the stability of the court. But remember, don't say anything final, and leave room for maneuver."

Fang Yizhi nodded solemnly: "I understand. But does father really believe that the prince will succeed to the throne smoothly?"

“That’s what I’m most worried about.”

Fang Xuanling sat down again, his expression solemn. "Your Majesty has not made a clear statement yet, because he wants the princes to check and balance each other. But the prince can't wait, he is eager to establish his authority, and he is afraid that the night will be long and dreams will arise."

"Yizhi, do you know why the Crown Prince punished the King of Wei and the King of Jin at this time?"

Fang Yizheng shook his head.

"Because His Majesty acquiesced."

Fang Xuanling's voice was low and firm.

"If the prince really dared to kill the King of Wei and the King of Jin, your majesty would be furious. But the prince only used caning, which intimidated his opponent without touching your majesty's weak spot. I'm afraid he had planned this carefully."

Fang Yizhi took a deep breath and said, "Father, what you mean is that His Majesty is secretly supporting the Crown Prince?"

“I can’t say I support it, but at least I tolerate it.”

Fang Xuanling looked at the moonlight outside the window, his thoughts drifting away.

"His Majesty killed his brother for the throne. He doesn't want history to repeat itself on his son, but he also wants to ensure a smooth transition of power. The Crown Prince's move may be exactly what he wants."

"Then us"

"We must be loyal to His Majesty, but we must also leave a way out for the Fang family."

Fang Xuanling clenched his fists. "Starting tomorrow, you should interact more with the prince's party, but you must not reveal your position. I will continue to observe the court's movements and find a balance point."

"Yizhi, remember, in this game, if you make a wrong move, you will be doomed forever."

Fang Yi stood up and bowed respectfully: "I will remember your teachings. But you should also take care of yourself. You have been working hard for the court these days, please don't exhaust yourself."

Fang Xuanling waved his hands, looking tired: "My old bones can still hold on. But the future of the Fang family depends entirely on you. Go and prepare, and visit Chang Sun Chong tomorrow morning."

After Fang Yizheng left, Fang Xuanling sat alone in the study, looking at the "Portrait of Meritorious Officials in the Lingyan Pavilion" hanging on the wall. The portrait of Li Shimin flickered in the candlelight.

He recalled the scene when he discussed state affairs with Li Shimin. It was so joyful that the emperor and his subject were of one mind.

But now, he has to make a difficult choice between loyalty and family interests.

the other side.

Changsun Mansion.

Chang Sun Chong frowned and said, "Given the friendship between father and His Majesty, why don't you speak directly to His Majesty and find out what His Majesty thinks?"

"Advice?"

Changsun Wuji sneered.

"During the Xuanwu Gate Incident, I helped Your Majesty ascend the throne; during the Zhenguan period, I assisted you wholeheartedly. But now, Your Majesty's attitude towards the Crown Prince is confusing. The Crown Prince punished the King of Wei and the King of Jin, which seemed to be an act of usurpation, but Your Majesty did not reprimand him. How could I easily guess the deep meaning behind this?"

Chang Sun Chong pondered for a moment and said, "Father, although the Crown Prince acts radically, he is the eldest son after all, and the legitimate heir. If we support the Crown Prince, when he succeeds to the throne in the future, the Chang Sun family will still be able to maintain its prosperity and wealth."

Chang Sun Wuji shook his head: "You think things are too simple."

"If the crown prince forcibly succeeds to the throne when his foundation is not stable, the court will be in chaos. By then, the Changsun family may become the target of public criticism!"

Chang Sun Chong's heart tightened: "What does father mean?"

“We can’t rush to take a stand.”

Changsun Wuji stopped and looked at her intently.

"Tomorrow, go visit Fang Xuanling's heir and find out what the Fang family has to say."

"But father, the Fang family is also watching, they may not tell the truth." "They have to tell the truth." Changsun Wuji's eyes were firm.

"Fang Xuanling is also worried that the Crown Prince's power is too great and will threaten His Majesty and the stability of the court. But he is more afraid of taking sides rashly and offending either side. Our two families are in a similar situation. If we can join forces, we may be able to find a glimmer of hope in this chaos."

Chang Sun Chong hesitated to speak: "Father, what if the prince holds a grudge against me?"

Chang Sun Wuji said: "So we must act more cautiously."

the other side.

Li Chengqian naturally did not stop his planning.

When the heavy iron door of the prison burst open, a cold and damp air rushed in. Hou Junji dragged his heavy shackles and raised his head in the dim light, his eyes full of disbelief.

When he saw clearly that the person coming was Li Chengqian, the eyes of this iron-blooded warrior on the battlefield instantly turned red.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Hou Junji's voice was choked with sobs and he struggled to salute, but was held back by Li Chengqian.

"General Hou has suffered!"

Li Chengqian personally uncuffed him.

"I have issued an order to pardon you!"

Hou Junji stared blankly at the shackles that were taken off his hands. Suddenly, he knelt on the ground with a plop and kowtowed heavily: "Your Highness, I will never be able to repay you even if I die! I know that Your Highness will never abandon me!"

His voice was trembling and tears were streaming down his face.

"In this dark prison, I look forward to going to the battlefield again and serving Your Highness every day!"

Li Chengqian quickly helped him up, tears welling up in his eyes: "General Hou, you and I have fought side by side, through life and death, how can I let you suffer injustice? Now you should go back home and recuperate, and when the time is right, we will work together to rectify the government!"

Hou Junji held Li Chengqian's hand tightly and nodded heavily.

(End of this chapter)