My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 375 I'm afraid the prince will act too hastily

What is the biggest difficulty for Li Chengqian to ascend to the throne?

The question is how to replace the team that originally belonged to Li Shimin.

Youdao is an emperor and a courtier.

How can he become emperor without loyal enough subjects?

Perhaps some people would say that as long as I pass through the Xuanwu Gate, imprison Li Shimin, and ascend the throne by force, there will be great scholars to debate the scriptures for me.

This idea is correct, but it also depends on the era.

This can be done in the middle period of any dynasty, because the bond between ministers and the emperor has been greatly weakened.

However, Li Shimin was different. He personally conquered most of the Tang Dynasty.

He has many brave civil officials and generals under his command, and he also has great personal charm.

Not to mention that Li Shimin is still in his prime, which can be said to be the prime period of his reign.

Li Shimin's personal prestige was a mountain that Li Chengqian could not overcome.

As the main founder of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin fought wars in the south and the north, and demonstrated his outstanding military talents in the process of unifying the Central Plains and pacifying various forces.

The Battle of Qianshuiyuan defeated Xue Rengao, and the Battle of Hulaoguan annihilated the two major forces of Dou Jiande and Wang Shichong in one fell swoop. These brilliant achievements not only laid the foundation for the rule of the Tang Dynasty, but also established Li Shimin's supreme position in the hearts of the army and the people.

In terms of governing the country, Li Shimin initiated the "Zhenguan Governance" and implemented a series of policies that benefited the country and the people.

Politically, we improved the system of three provinces and six ministries, opened up channels for communication, and accepted advice with an open mind.

In terms of economy, the equal-field system was implemented, taxes and levies were reduced, and economic recovery was promoted.

Culturally, we attach importance to education, establish schools, and promote cultural prosperity.

He governed the country with the philosophy of "people are the foundation of the country", enabling the people to live and work in peace and contentment and the country to prosper.

This comprehensive achievement in both civil and military affairs made Li Shimin's status in the hearts of his subjects almost that of a true saint. Even if Li Chengqian imprisoned Li Shimin by force, it would be difficult to eliminate his subjects' admiration and loyalty to Li Shimin, let alone easily replace Li Shimin's position in their hearts.

In addition, Li Shimin was good at employing people, and he had a large number of capable ministers and generals under his command.

Fang Xuanling and Zhangsun Wuji gave him advice, Li Jing, Li Ji and others fought for him in all directions. These ministers had a deep friendship between the monarch and his subjects and had experienced common struggle with Li Shimin, and were loyal to Li Shimin.

They followed Li Shimin for many years because they recognized his leadership and personal charm, not simply for power and benefits.

If Li Chengqian forced his way to the throne, it would be difficult for these ministers to quickly change their positions and support him, and they might even do their best to restore Li Shimin.

In the early days of the Tang Dynasty, the power system had become stable and complex.

The improvement of the system of three provinces and six ministries made it possible to disperse power and check and balance each other. The Secretariat was responsible for decision-making, the Ministry of Palace Affairs was responsible for deliberation, and the Ministry of State Affairs was responsible for execution. Each department performed its duties and was directly responsible to the emperor.

This system design ensured the normal operation of the state machinery and also strengthened the core position of the emperor in the power system. Li Shimin had been in power for many years and was familiar with the operation of this power system, and he used a series of means to firmly control it.

Within the court, various forces were intertwined, forming a power network with Li Shimin as the core. Both the Guanlong Group and the Shandong gentry were inextricably linked to Li Shimin, and their interests were closely related to Li Shimin's rule.

If Li Chengqian launched a coup to take power, it would inevitably break the existing balance of power and affect the interests of many forces. In order to protect their own interests, these forces would not easily accept Li Chengqian's rule, but would unite to oppose him and provide support for Li Shimin's restoration.

Moreover, the Tang Dynasty's bureaucratic system had a strict promotion and selection system. Officials' loyalty to the court came not only from the emperor's personal authority, but also from their recognition of the system and their own professional ethics.

It was difficult for Li Chengqian to make these officials willingly work for him without widespread recognition from the court.

Even if he used force to force some officials to temporarily obey, there was no guarantee that they would not turn against him at a critical moment.

Therefore, it seemed that the throne would be within reach after bombarding Xuanwu Gate.
In fact, the current throne is a hot potato for Li Chengqian.

If one really reaches the level of emperor, the situation of offense and defense will be reversed.

At that time, Li Chengqian would have to face a full-scale counterattack from Li Shimin's entire interest group.

Whether it is Changsun Wuji or Fang Xuanling.

Even if they once thought of supporting the crown prince to ascend the throne, if he took the throne through Xuanwu Gate and imprisoned His Majesty, they would not have any hesitation and would stand firmly on Li Shimin's side.

Therefore, if Li Chengqian wanted to take power, the first step was to replace the court team.

How to replace it is actually not complicated.

Even if you haven't eaten pork in your previous life, you have seen a pig run.

It is not feasible to forcibly place cronies in important positions using the prince's status as the current political system is already complete, and most importantly, a large number of family interests are involved.

Those officials who were already in office could not be replaced at the prince's request with just a few words.

It's okay to replace one or two, but replacing dozens or hundreds of them is nonsense.

If Li Chengqian wants to take action, he can only do so within the rules permitted by the law.

This is not difficult.

Just catch corruption.

Where can we find so many incorruptible officials?

Li Yuanchang knew Li Chengqian's thoughts best.

Therefore, Changan launched a special operation.

Daming Palace.

There were mountains of secret reports on Li Chengqian's desk.

The intelligence personnel provided by Yin Hongzhi at the time were of great use.

These are the evidences collected from various officials in the court.

Li Chengqian held a roll of impeachment memorial in his hand, and his fingertips repeatedly rubbed the four words "embezzlement of military pay".

The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue embezzled the silver from the grain transport, the Chief Clerk of the Honglu Temple accepted bribes from foreign countries, and even the Mayor of Chang'an dared to tamper with commercial taxes.

Beneath the prosperous scene of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, there are also many shadows.

Or it can be said that the more prosperous the economy, the more collusion between officials and businessmen and the more rampant corruption there is.

After all, officials’ salaries were meager, and in prosperous times, spending lavishly was common.

Who wouldn’t be moved after seeing such a scene?

On the contrary, there are more honest officials when the country is in trouble.

"Send them all to the Dali Temple."

Li Chengqian instructed Wen Zhong.

Wen Zhong bowed and responded.

The Shaoqing of Dali Temple is Su Tan, who is now Li Chengqian's father-in-law.

Su Tan was very clear about his label as the crown prince. As the crown prince's father-in-law, he had to firmly protect the crown prince no matter what the situation was.

Because of this special identity, Su Tan had no other choice.

The secret report has solid evidence. As long as it is handed over to the Dali Temple, we can act according to the law and bring all these corrupt officials down.

This time, whether it is Li Shimin or the aristocratic family, on the surface, there is nothing wrong with them.

Seeing that Wen Zhong was about to go to the Dali Temple with the eunuchs, Li Chengqian ordered again: "Tell Su Shaoqing that there are too many cases this time, and ask him to ask the Jinwu Guard for assistance."

Wen Zhong's eyes lit up: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Inside Dali Temple.

Su Tan was shocked to see so many secret reports.

But he immediately calmed down and replied: "Please ask Eunuch Wen to tell His Royal Highness the Crown Prince that I will definitely handle this matter and will not let any corrupt official go."

Wen Zhong smiled and said, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asked me to tell Su Shaoqing that there are many cases, and we can ask the Jinwu Guards to help with the investigation."

Su Tan bowed and said, "I understand."

This is a plan to kill two birds with one stone, and the purpose is to drag the King of Jin into the water.

As the general of the Right Jinwu Guard, it is his duty to govern Chang'an, and it is also his responsibility to investigate cases and arrest people.

Now Li Shimin has just restored Jin Prince Li Zhi's position as General of the Right Jinwu Guard. If Li Zhi turns a blind eye to this, wouldn't it be dereliction of duty and inaction?

At the Dali Temple, Su Tan immediately sent someone to the residence of the General of the Right Jinwu Guard to deliver the message.

In the palace of Prince Jin.

Li Zhi frowned as he looked at the document requesting assistance in the case.

He sighed, threw the documents on the table, and sat down dejectedly: "Yi Fu, what do you think I should do? The prince is investigating corruption with great fanfare. It seems to be for the purpose of rectifying the administration, but I always feel that there is another intention behind it. If I participate in it, I don't know whether it will be a blessing or a curse. But if I don't participate, I am afraid that my father and the court officials will accuse me of dereliction of duty and inaction."

Li Yifu's eyes flickered, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Prince Jin is right. The prince's move is called a crackdown on corruption, but in fact it is intended to establish authority and seize power."

"The Crown Prince used the name of law to punish officials wantonly. He wanted to take this opportunity to replace the court team and pave the way for his future rise to power. Now he asked the Dali Temple to ask the Right Jinwu Guard to assist in handling the case. On the surface, it is because there are many cases and they need manpower, but in fact, they want to drag the Prince of Jin into this mess."

Li Zhi asked, "How can you say that you are dragging me into this?"

Li Yifu analyzed slowly, "Think about it, Prince Jin. The officials investigated by the Crown Prince are more or less involved in various forces behind them. Once we get involved, we will inevitably offend these forces. If the investigation goes smoothly, the credit will naturally go to the Crown Prince; but if something goes wrong, or if we offend someone who shouldn't be offended, the Crown Prince can put the blame on the Prince of Jin and say that the Prince of Jin is incompetent."

"Moreover, the Crown Prince is testing the attitudes of all parties towards his actions. If the Prince of Jin refuses to help, he will be openly opposing the Crown Prince, and it will be difficult to explain to His Majesty. If he agrees to help, he will become a pawn in the hands of the Crown Prince and be manipulated by him."

Li Zhi's face became more serious. He gritted his teeth and said, "Then according to your opinion, how should I deal with it? Is there no way to have the best of both worlds?"

What Li Zhi wants most now is to keep a low profile.

I don't want to get too involved in the fight between the Crown Prince and the King of Wei, or between the Crown Prince and my father.

Lying dormant and waiting for the opportunity is what King Jin needs.

However, the tree wants to be still but the wind does not stop.

How can one escape unscathed from the whirlpool of Chang'an?

Li Yifu shook his head. "It's hard to find a win-win solution, but the King of Jin can't just sit there and wait for death. In my humble opinion, although the Crown Prince's actions this time are ambitious, they are not without flaws. He is too hasty and has dealt with so many officials at once. No matter what, it will cause dissatisfaction among the old officials in the court and various forces."

Li Zhi said worriedly: "But even so, it is still very risky for me to participate."

Li Yifu looked at Li Zhi firmly and said, "Prince Jin, risks and opportunities always coexist."

"Now the Crown Prince's conflicts with various forces are deepening, and His Majesty's health is gradually recovering. He will soon take back the Crown Prince's power as regent. The Crown Prince should take this opportunity to replace him with his own confidants."

"If the Crown Prince can do what he wants, the Prince of Jin can do it too. Besides, His Majesty will definitely not let the Crown Prince do what he wants."

"Prince Jin chose to participate. On the one hand, he could show His Majesty that he was conscientious in fulfilling his duties and had no ulterior motives. On the other hand, he could also secretly observe the situation and look for opportunities during this turmoil."

Li Zhi was silent for a long time, his eyes full of struggle: "But what if I make a mistake in judgment and the prince takes this opportunity to completely suppress me, what should I do? I have no intention of competing with the prince for power. I just want to live in peace. Why should I get involved in this?"

Li Yifu sighed and said earnestly: "Prince Jin, how can you be truly safe in the royal family? Prince Jin has no intention of fighting for power, but the vortex of power will not let Prince Jin go."

"The Crown Prince's investigation into corruption has put the King of Jin at the center of public attention. If the King of Jin does not participate, the Crown Prince and all forces will view the King of Jin as a threat."

"If the Prince of Jin participates, there is at least room for maneuver. Moreover, Your Majesty thinks highly of the Prince of Jin. As long as the Prince of Jin acts cautiously, even if something goes wrong, Your Majesty may not punish him too much."

Li Zhi thought for a long time, his eyes gradually became firm: "Forget it! Instead of sitting and waiting for death, it is better to give it a try. Yifu, help me plan, after participating in this matter, how should we act so as not to offend the prince, but also to protect ourselves, or even find an opportunity?"

Li Yifu said: "When we participate in assisting in handling cases, we must be fair and impartial. For officials that the prince wants to punish, if the evidence is conclusive, we will fully cooperate."

"If the evidence is insufficient, or if a major force is involved, we can first report the case to the Dali Temple and the Crown Prince, and let them make the decision. This way, we can avoid directly offending various forces."

"At the same time, King Jin can secretly send people to collect intelligence from all parties, understand the changes in the court situation, and make preparations for the future."

"Of course, the most important thing is that after these officials are dismissed, the Prince of Jin can find an opportunity to place his own people there. I think His Majesty will also target the Crown Prince and will not let him succeed completely."

Li Zhi nodded: "Okay! I'll do as you say. I hope we can get through this disaster safely this time."

Chang'an City.

Within just three days, a large number of officials were found to be corrupt. The evidence was conclusive and there was nothing to say.

In one day, seven officials above the fifth rank were punished successively.

Not only the people in Chang'an city were implicated, but more than ten provincial governors from all over the country were also implicated.

As a result, officials both inside and outside the government felt insecure.

However, in the court, the old ministers headed by Prime Minister Fang Xuanling maintained a strange silence.

Only Zhangsun Wuji asked to see Li Shimin alone after the court session ended: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's move seems to be to rectify the administration of officials, but in fact..."

Changsun Wuji had no choice because the prince was impartial and selfless.

Not only the Five Surnames and Seven Families, but also other aristocratic families, including officials affiliated with the Guanlong clans, were also found in large numbers.

It was really a massacre.

Fang Xuanling remained silent because he had no party affiliation, did not belong to the Five Surnames and Seven Aristocrats, nor did he belong to the Guanlong clan.

Therefore, Changsun Wuji had to take the lead himself.

Li Shimin raised his hand to interrupt: "I have read all those files, and the evidence is indeed conclusive."

"If the prince is truly courageous enough to eradicate corruption, it will be a good thing for the country and the people."

After he finished speaking, Li Shimin looked at the falling leaves outside the window.

"I'm afraid he will... act too hastily."

(End of this chapter)