My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 364 Should we take this opportunity to attack Xuanwu Gate?
The eunuch Zhang Ananda took the memorial and handed it to Your Majesty.

Li Shimin took the memorial and began to read it.

After a while, the fingers holding the memorial began to tremble slightly.

He would never have thought that Qingque, whom he loved so much, would do such a thing.

Although in his heart, Li Shimin never really wanted Prince Wei to inherit the throne, his love for him was not fake.

But now.

"Treason, evil son!"

Li Shimin staggered to his feet, filled with great anger.

"When Jie Li Khan's army came to the Wei River, I had not yet washed away the shame of repelling the enemy alone, and now this rebellious son wants to let the wolf into the house!"

"Ananda!"

Facing His Majesty's roar, Zhang Ananda bowed hastily: "I am here."

Li Shimin shouted sternly: "Pass on my order, lock up the Prince of Wei and bring him to the Taiji Palace immediately. I will beat this evil beast to death with my own hands!"

Zhang Ananda hurriedly said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Fang Xuanling saw this and bowed, "Your Majesty, calm down. Questioning the King of Wei now is just cutting the grass without removing the root!"

Li Shimin frowned and said, "Speak."

Fang Xuanling continued, "The Five Families and Seven Clans have occupied Shandong for a hundred years. From provincial governors to border guards, half of the seals are in their hands. Without them opening the passes and supplying food and grass, how could the Turkic cavalry, even with a million of them, cross the Great Wall?"

Li Shimin was naturally aware of this matter. With a look, he stopped Zhang Ananda for a moment and asked, "Should I just let the King of Wei go?"

Fang Xuanling explained: "That is not the case, Your Majesty."

"At the Weishui Alliance, the Turks were able to march straight into the city. On the surface, it was because Jie Li was a master of war, but in fact, it was the clandestine help from the noble families inside the pass. Now Cui Wenxin is lobbying among the five surnames, hoping to repeat the past! Although the King of Wei has ambitions, he can't even leave the gate of Chang'an without the support of the five surnames!"

Li Shimin said coldly: "These parasites of the country only care about their own interests and don't care about the lives of the people of the Tang Dynasty!"

Fang Xuanling said: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to destroy the Turks."

Li Shimin asked, "What do you mean?"

Fang Xuanling continued, "The Turks think that the Five Clans are their accomplices, so they will definitely come out in full force. The Five Clans think that they have the Turks as their backers, so they will definitely relax their vigilance. If our army takes advantage of the situation, uses Chang'an as bait, and secretly mobilizes the elite troops from Longyou and Hedong, we will be able to annihilate the Turks in one fell swoop!"

Li Shimin thought for a moment and said, "Continue."

Fang Xuanling bowed and said, "I beg Your Majesty to pretend to be seriously ill again, and let the Crown Prince and the King of Wei fight each other, so that the Five Clans will mistakenly think that there is an opportunity to take advantage of it."

"At the same time, have Li Weigong secretly mobilize 200,000 troops to set up an ambush in Jingzhou and Qizhou."

"Once the main force of the Turks crosses the Yellow River, our army will be able to cut off their retreat and encircle the Chang'an defenders."

After listening to this, Li Shimin did not agree immediately.

He just looked towards the direction of Daming Palace with complicated eyes.

Li Chengqian's act of occupying the palace was still fresh in our minds, and now we had to rely on him to defend Chang'an.

It's a big gamble.

If an army of 200,000 is mobilized, the city of Chang'an will certainly be empty.

In itself, Li Shimin had enough troops, and even if the prince had artillery, he could still suppress the enemy in Chang'an City.

However, Li Jing brought a large number of troops out, and although there were still tens of thousands of imperial guards, it was not enough to completely suppress the prince's 30,000 Shenwu Army.

The most important thing is that the Turks are invading and the palace is poorly defended. What if the prince takes this opportunity to forcibly seize the palace?

This is different from the day when Li Shimin went to Laitingfang. It is equivalent to handing over the safety of Chang'an to the hands of the prince.

What will the prince do?
Fang Xuanling saw His Majesty's worries. After all, no one wants to put their own safety in the hands of others.

Even if this person is your own son.

Not to mention that the prince has rebelled once, if he suddenly launches an attack this time, we will be unable to resist.

After thinking for a while, Fang Xuanling said, "Your Majesty, the prince's Shenwu Army is powerful and has the advantage of artillery. If they can defend the city, the Turks will not be a threat."

"Since the crown prince became regent, he has promoted the imperial examination system and rectified the administration of officials, which has long been a thorn in the eyes of the Five Clans."

In the eyes of many people, the relationship between His Majesty and the Crown Prince is as hostile as fire and water.

But Fang Xuanling, who had always followed Li Shimin, knew clearly that His Majesty and the Crown Prince loved and hated each other.

There are conflicts and disputes between father and son, but also the family affection that is difficult to give up.

Your Majesty will not kill the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince does not have much hatred towards Your Majesty.

At this juncture, the prince is trustworthy.

After a long silence, Li Shimin suddenly sneered: "Okay, let's have a fight!"

"Ananda, go to Daming Palace and tell the prince about the Turkic situation."

"I believe he will understand things and will not let me down."

"Let him mobilize the artillery and give him the authority to control the gates of Chang'an."

Zhang Ananda bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
-
Daming Palace.

Hanyuan Hall.

Li Chengqian was a little surprised by Zhang Ananda's arrival.

"Meet His Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhang Ananda bowed and saluted.

Li Chengqian waved his hand and said, "Eunuch Zhang, please excuse me. Please take a seat."

Li Chengqian was still very friendly towards Zhang Ananda. As the eunuch beside His Majesty, he naturally had no political stance, but Li Chengqian knew that Zhang Ananda was always speaking well of him in many things.

This was the case before the Eastern Expedition.

"Your Highness, I am here on the orders of Your Majesty," Zhang Ananda said.

Li Chengqian nodded slightly and said, "Please ask Eunuch Zhang to explain in detail."

Zhang Ananda then narrated how the King of Wei had colluded with the Turks and how the Five Surnames and Seven Families were planning to repeat the mistake of the Weishui Alliance.

After hearing the news, Li Chengqian was not surprised.

I am quite curious about how Fang Xuanling knows it so clearly.

"What's Father's reaction?"

Li Chengqian asked.

Li Shimin must be furious that the King of Wei, whom he favored so much, is now colluding with the Turks.

Zhang Anan said, "Your Majesty is furious. You must arrest the King of Wei and bring him to justice immediately."

"It was Prime Minister Fang who advised that the five surnames and seven families were the key. That's why Your Majesty decided to take advantage of the situation."

Li Chengqian was silent for a moment before saying, "Please ask Eunuch Zhang to report back to my father. I understand." Zhang Ananda looked at the crown prince deeply and bowed, "Yes, Your Highness."

There are some things that don't need to be said too much. No matter how much you say, it will be meaningless.

But Zhang Ananda believed in the prince. Even though the prince had once attempted some treasonous acts, Zhang Ananda knew that the prince was forced to do so.

At such a critical moment, the prince will definitely not let Your Majesty down.

After Zhang Ananda left, Li Chengqian instructed Wen Zhong beside him, "Call Su Dingfang, Du He, Zhao Jie, and Li Yuanchang to discuss the matter."

Wen Zhong bowed and said, "Yes, Your Highness."

Not long after.

Su Dingfang, Du He, Zhao Jie, Li Yuanchang and others rushed to Hanyuan Hall.

After everyone arrived, Li Chengqian told the emperor about the decision of the King of Wei on colluding with the Turks.

Li Yuanchang was pleasantly surprised and said, "Your Highness, this is a godsend."

"Li Jing took away 200,000 troops, the Taiji Palace's imperial guards are less than 50,000, and my Shenwu Army's 30,000 elite troops are under our control!"

These words made everyone present silent.

Li Chengqian glanced at everyone and said, "King of Han, what do you think we should do?"

Li Yuanchang has not yet realized the meaning of the prince's calling him King of Han.

He still said to himself: "If we don't seize the palace now, when will we?"

"There is no need to wait for the Turkic invasion. As long as Li Jing leads the army to leave Chang'an, Your Highness can go straight to Xuanwu Gate, break through Xuanwu Gate, and enter Taiji Palace."

"With the imperial edict from His Majesty, the Crown Prince can take over the defense of Chang'an smoothly. Since His Majesty is seriously ill, if he takes control of the court, great things can be accomplished."

Before Li Yuanchang finished speaking, Du He interrupted and asked, "What about the Turks?"

Li Yuanchang said: "Of course, we are acting according to your majesty's plan. This does not conflict with the control of the palace. We can also cooperate internally and externally to conquer the Turks."

Du He frowned and said, "What would happen if Li Jing knew that the palace was broken into?"

Li Yuanchang said: "We can block the palace city and prevent the news from leaking out. Li Jing will naturally attack the Turks according to your majesty's previous wishes. We can also send troops to attack from both inside and outside and defeat the Turks."

“Isn’t this killing two birds with one stone?”

"By then, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will have made tremendous contributions, and he will be in control of the palace, so it will be natural for His Majesty to abdicate."

"I think the ministers and officials are also sensible."

"After pacifying the internal and external troubles, His Royal Highness will have enough time to sort out the court."

Li Yuanchang talked eloquently, but Du He and others did not respond much.

After Li Yuanchang finished speaking, Zhao Jie said, "This behavior is no different from that of a villain. Taking advantage of others' misfortune is quite shameful."

Li Yuanchang frowned and asked, "Zhao Jie, what do you mean by that?"

"Since ancient times, victors have been kings and losers have been bandits. Those who accomplish great things do not care about trivial matters. Now that a heaven-given opportunity is before us, if we do not seize it to seize the palace, do we have to wait for His Majesty to come to his senses and then settle accounts with us one by one?"

Zhao Jie shook his head slightly: "King of Han, you can't say that. The Turkish cavalry is about to arrive. If we attack Taiji Palace now, let's not talk about your majesty's safety, what will happen to the people of Chang'an? What if the news leaks out, the army is in chaos, and the Turkish take advantage of the opportunity to invade, won't we become sinners for all eternity?"

Li Yuanchang shouted, "Zhao Jie, don't be too soft-hearted."

"The palace city is undermanned. As long as we give the order and take the opportunity to mobilize the artillery, we can break through the Xuanwu Gate and control the palace city in less than half an hour! By then, we can issue orders in the name of His Majesty, and the Turks will have nothing to fear!"

Although Zhao Jie was once a bit of a dandy, he had a good character, otherwise Li Shimin would not have valued him enough and appointed him as the governor of Yangzhou.

The governor is the head of a provincial capital, in charge of the administration of a province. Zhao Jie was able to serve as the governor of Yangzhou. Apart from his identity, his personal abilities and character were also excellent.

Historically, the reason why Zhao Jie was sentenced to death was entirely because of his wrong position.

His mother, Princess Changguang, remarried Yang Shidao at the end of the Wude period. Zhao Jie was only eight years old at that time, which was the time for his enlightenment.

Yang Shidao was deeply influenced by the Confucian idea of ​​loyalty and righteousness. During his growth, Yang Shidao's words and deeds had a profound impact on Zhao Jie.

Zhao Jie accepted orthodox moral concepts from his stepfather, believing that things should be done in accordance with justice and moral standards, and taking advantage of others' misfortunes violated these principles.

Yang Shidao was known in official circles for his gentleness, prudence and integrity.

When dealing with affairs, they usually take into account the interests of all parties and try to avoid taking extreme or immoral measures. Zhao Jie was influenced by this way of dealing with things when he was with his stepfather.

He understands that solving problems through legitimate means may face some difficulties, but in the long run it is more conducive to maintaining the relationship between himself and others and is more in line with ethical standards.

Li Yuanchang was different. Although he received a deep royal education, what he saw since he was a child was Li Shimin killing his brothers and imprisoning his father to succeed to the throne.

Zhao Jie did not argue too much with Li Yuanchang. After looking at His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, he slowly said, "King of Han! Your Majesty entrusted Chang'an to the Crown Prince because he trusted His Royal Highness to guard the country's borders, not to let us do such a treacherous thing!"

"Your Majesty, you fought the enemy alone at the Weishui Alliance. What a heroic spirit! If we seize the palace while his troops are deployed, what difference will we make from those traitors who colluded with the Turks?"

Li Yuanchang retorted: "Shut up! Zhao Jie, what do you know about the general situation in the world?"

"If the prince does not seize the opportunity to ascend to the throne, wait for the Turks to retreat, and take control of the situation, will he let Your Highness go?"

"Instead of waiting for death, it is better to strike first!"

Du He interrupted at this time and said, "King of Han, since the crown prince has been governing the country, he has promoted the imperial examination system and rectified the administration of officials, which is what the people want. As long as we defend Chang'an and make great contributions to resisting the enemy, there is no need to worry about our future. Why do we have to take such a risky move and destroy our foundation?"

"Even if Your Majesty wants to deal with the Crown Prince afterwards, we are not without the ability to fight back."

"If I start a rebellion at this time, it will be despised by the world. How will the officials of the court view it? How will the scholars of the world view the prince?"

Li Yuanchang bowed to the prince and said, "Your Highness, since ancient times, victors have been kings and losers have been bandits. As long as Your Highness ascends the throne, won't you be able to control the hearts of the people?"

"Your Majesty did it on the first day back then, so how can Your Highness not do it on the fifteenth day now?"

Zhao Jie was shaking with anger: "King of Han, you are pushing the prince into the fire pit! Although your majesty is dissatisfied with the prince, they are father and son after all. If the prince plots rebellion at this moment, he will completely destroy his reputation!"

Li Chengqian did not say anything, but just kept his eyes on Su Dingfang who had been silent.

Feeling the prince's gaze, Su Dingfang bowed and said, "Your Highness, I dare not agree with the words of the King of Han."

"Your Majesty, at the Weishui Alliance, rode alone to repel the enemy and protect the people of the Tang Dynasty. Now that the enemy is at hand, how can we face the people of the world if we do this unjust thing?"

"What's more, most of our Shenwu Army are from the Military Academy."

"The prince gave a lecture at the Military Academy, telling the soldiers to defend the country, officers and soldiers are one, and people are the most important."

"This is the belief of the soldiers and their support for the prince."

"If the prince takes this opportunity to seize the palace, what will the soldiers of the Shenwu Army think?"

"Could it be that the principles and beliefs that the prince once talked about were just deceptions to them?"

"Therefore, I believe that if we take this opportunity to seize the palace, we will not only lose the support of the people, but also the support of the army."

"If the army loses its morale, the Shenwu Army will lose its courage and faith in the future. This is the real disaster."

"Your Highness, please think twice before acting."

Upon seeing this, Li Yuanchang wanted to persuade him again, but Li Chengqian waved his hand and interrupted him.

(End of this chapter)