Datang: Just been appointed as the crown prince, the counterattack system is here

Chapter 225: See how I manipulate you, Li Er! [Seeking monthly tickets]

"Wei Zheng, stop talking!"

Seeing that Li Shimin's face was becoming more and more ugly and he seemed to be about to explode at any time, Fang Xuanling hurriedly stepped forward to remind Wei Zheng to restrain himself.

But Wei Zheng hadn't criticized Li Er for a long time, so now that he had the chance, how could he let it go?

But he continued with a calm expression, "There are two things I don't understand. First, why is Your Majesty so angry? Second, why are Your Majesty and the Crown Prince so antagonistic?"

"Why don't you understand so much? Didn't I just say it? This is none of your business!" Li Shimin said angrily.

Wei Zheng said seriously, "Ministers help the emperor govern the country, so they can ask about everything, even matters within the palace. What's more, the crown prince of a country should be asked about it even more."

"Since you have to take care of everything, I have no power to punish anyone?" Li Shimin retorted angrily.

"Of course, Your Majesty has the power to punish anyone, including the crown prince. But the ministers need to know whether the punishment is appropriate. If it is appropriate, the ministers will assist Your Majesty. If it is inappropriate, the ministers should advise Your Majesty to stop the punishment. This is the correct way!"

Wei Zheng said doubtfully, "I really don't understand why Your Majesty imprisoned the prince, nor do I understand why Your Majesty is angry!"

"you!"

Li Shimin was deeply frustrated by Wei Zheng's words, but he suppressed his temper and patiently explained, "If you want to know, I'll tell you! A country only needs someone who keeps his word. The Crown Prince is the heir apparent, not the Emperor. I can ask him to do anything, but without my permission, he cannot interfere in my affairs, let alone meddle in my affairs. Do you understand?!"

"Oh, I see!"

Wei Zheng nodded in sudden realization, then said thoughtfully, "Your Majesty, are you saying that the Crown Prince is planning a rebellion against Your Majesty?"

"nonsense!"

Li Shimin's forehead muscles bulged, and he shouted angrily, "That's not what I meant!"

"What does your majesty mean?"

"What do you care what I mean?"

"Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, the affairs of the Son of Heaven are the affairs of the whole world. Every move you make affects the overall situation of the country, let alone when it comes to the crown prince. How can you act so casually?"

Wei Zheng said in a deep voice: "I think Your Majesty is just perfunctorily treating us as his subjects!"

"No, why did I just give you a perfunctory answer?"

Li Shimin raised his hand to support his forehead and felt a pain in his head.

But Wei Zheng persisted, continuing, "Isn't that so? Your Majesty doesn't even explain things clearly! I'm afraid you've grown tired of us ministers and don't want to communicate with us anymore. Your Majesty, you've changed."

"Wei Zheng!"

When Li Shimin heard Wei Zheng's words, his defenses were instantly broken: "I have been tolerant of you again and again, but I can no longer tolerate it. I am simply too indulgent towards you, and you are taking advantage of my tolerance!"

"I ask you, Wei Zheng, you have damaged my reputation more than once and insulted me in public. Do you acknowledge your guilt?"

"I don't know the crime!"

"you!"

Li Shimin raised his hand and pointed at Wei Zheng, then laughed in anger: "Okay, okay! Come here! Drag Wei Zheng away, remove all official positions, and exile him to Lingnan!"

"His Majesty!"

Fang Xuanling and the other two, who were watching the show from the side, were shocked when they heard that Li Shimin was going to exile Wei Zheng to Lingnan, and hurried forward to dissuade Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, calm down!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! You must not remove Wei Zheng from his position! Otherwise, how will the loyal and honest people in the world trust Your Majesty in the future?"

"Think twice, Your Majesty!"

Li Shimin was furious when he heard these dissuading remarks: "According to what you said, I have no way to deal with him?"

"Your Majesty! Wei Zheng is loyal, he just does things inappropriately. Your Majesty, please forgive him!" Fang Xuanling advised earnestly.

"Yes, Your Majesty! Wei Zheng is a good minister!" Du Ruhui also echoed.

Changsun Wuji quickly approached Li Shimin and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you today? You need to control your emotions!"

"I"

Li Shimin opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.

But then Changsun Wuji continued, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, why don't we end today's discussion here and discuss it again another day?"

"This"

Li Shimin hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand helplessly and said, "Alright, all of you go down!"

"promise!"

Changsun Wuji agreed and was about to retreat with Wei Zheng, but he saw Fang Xuanling giving him a look.

The meaning is very clear, let Wei Zheng and Li Shimin quarrel behind closed doors.

Wei Zheng wins every time anyway.

As long as Wei Zheng wins, Li Chengqian will be safe.

So, Changsun Wuji followed Fang Xuanling and the others without saying a word and left silently.

When only Wei Zheng and Li Shimin were left in the hall, Li Shimin's anger had mostly subsided. He looked at Wei Zheng expressionlessly and asked calmly, "Why don't you leave?"

"I feel that Your Majesty has not finished speaking." Wei Zheng replied calmly.

Li Shimin sneered: "You don't think I will give in to you and release the prince, do you?"

"If Your Majesty does not release the Crown Prince, it would be my dereliction of duty. I have failed to fulfill my responsibilities as a minister. Your Majesty, please dismiss me and exile me!"

"That's unreasonable!"

Li Shimin's anger flared up again. "I have something to tell you today, Wei Zheng. Tell me what I've heard most in the court."

Wei Zheng frowned, then pondered, "In my opinion, Your Majesty only listens to correct opinions. No one should listen to wrong opinions. As the ancients said, no one is perfect. As long as it is correct, anyone who says it should be encouraged."

"Then why do you have to pick on me?" Li Shimin asked in confusion.

Wei Zheng glanced at him and said, "I have always been critical of the matter, not the person. As for the respect for the emperor's etiquette, since Shusun Tong, every dynasty has followed it.
Even now, aren't my remarks all in accordance with the etiquette of honoring the Emperor? The rituals of paying homage to His Majesty, chanting "Long Live the Emperor" three times, and performing the thank-you dance are all carefully regulated. Who wouldn't follow them?"

"Yes, since you know so much etiquette, why don't you give me some face?" Li Shimin was even more puzzled.

But Wei Zheng argued forcefully, "This is how the emperor and his ministers discuss things in court. Ministers are supposed to help the emperor govern the country. The emperor can't just listen to positive things, he has to listen to negative things too. If ministers only say positive things, can they still be considered fulfilling their duties?"

"If the emperor only listens to positive things, can he be considered fulfilling his duties?"

"This"

Li Shimin was speechless after being asked this question. Finally, he reluctantly admitted: "According to what you said, there is some truth to it."

"So, in this court, between the monarch and his subjects, how can we ensure that everything is known and explained? This involves the governance of the country!"

Wei Zheng continued, "How this is ultimately governed will have a bearing on the historical evaluation of the emperor for centuries to come. How dare I, a minister, fail to fulfill my duties?"

Hearing this, Li Shimin couldn't help but laugh.

He really couldn't win the argument with Wei Zheng, but he was indeed persuaded by Wei Zheng. He couldn't help but sigh:

"Wei Zheng, Wei Zheng! You know my temper. If you can't figure it out, you'll never be able to get over it. But once you figure it out, everything will be fine."

"It is the duty of a minister to be loyal and responsible, and how to guide his subordinates to be loyal and responsible is..."

"A king's duty!"

Before Wei Zheng could finish his words, Li Shimin subconsciously responded.

As soon as these words were spoken, the two of them smiled at each other.

After a moment, Li Shimin regained his composure and said with a smile, "Since you want to know why, I'll tell you. It's because I'm worried that the prince will go astray!"

"What wrong path does Your Majesty mean?" Wei Zheng asked.

Li Shimin looked at him deeply, and sighed with a sense of loss: "If I say that this is the way I came here, will you believe it?" "Your Majesty..."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng was speechless.

Li Shimin sighed again and said, "Wei Zheng, I don't believe you can't see what the prince wants, but I can tell you clearly that I am not Emperor Wu of Han, and he is not Liu Ju."

"Then has Your Majesty ever had a private conversation with the Crown Prince?"

"No, but I have tolerated him many times. He is so smart, it shouldn't be difficult for him to understand my feelings for him!"

"Your Majesty, your words are wrong!"

Wei Zheng's face darkened at that moment: "The smarter the person, the more delicate their mind. If Your Majesty cannot communicate properly with the Crown Prince, the conflict will only get worse!"

"So according to you, should I go and talk to him?" Li Shimin asked with a frown.

Wei Zheng shook his head and said, "Of course we need to talk, but not now!"

"why?"

"Because when I came back from Hebei Province, I heard a secret. I didn't tell you just now because I was afraid of alerting the enemy!"

"What secret?"

Li Shimin looked at Wei Zheng with a puzzled look.

But then Wei Zheng asked in a heavy voice, "Your Majesty, do you still remember Dang Renhong?"

"Dang Renhong?"

Li Shimin was stunned: "What happened to him?"

"According to my investigation, most of the grain transported by the imperial court to Hebei Province came from Nanning Prefecture."

"You mean, there's something wrong with Dang Renhong?"

Wei Zheng pondered and said, "I don't know if he has any problems. I only know that the grain was shipped from Hebei. As for whether there are any problems with the grain that was shipped, the Dali Temple needs to investigate!"

Li Shimin thought for a moment with a serious expression, then nodded and said, "Well, I will instruct the Dali Temple to investigate this matter thoroughly. Dang Renhong's relationship with me is indeed extraordinary. Your caution just now deserves praise!"

"No! There's no need for a reward. No reward without merit!"

"Ah!"

Li Shimin smiled and was about to continue speaking.

At this moment, a voice suddenly came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, the Emperor Retired invites you to the Crown Prince's Mansion to watch a game of ball!"

"Ok?"

Li Shimin was slightly stunned. What did he mean by "appreciating the ball game"? Why did Old Li go to the Prince's Mansion?

However, before he could react, Yunfa's voice came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, General Yuchi, General Cheng, General Qin, and many ministers in the court have been invited to the Crown Prince's Mansion by the Emperor!"

"what?"

Li Shimin was surprised, as if he did not expect Li Yuan to invite Yuchi Gong and others.

But Wei Zheng, standing by, asked Yunduan curiously, "Are only invited ministers allowed to visit the Crown Prince's residence?"

"Not really. People like Duke Zhao, Lord Fang, and Lord Du went there on their own!"

"What? They're going there too?!"

Li Shimin was surprised again, then turned to look at Wei Zheng.

But Wei Zheng said without hesitation: "If your Majesty has nothing else to do, I will take my leave first!"

"Why are you asking for leave?"

Li Shimin glared at him angrily and said, "Come with me to the Prince's Mansion!"

"What about the prince?"

"you!"

Li Shimin pointed at Wei Zheng angrily, then reluctantly waved his sleeves and said, "Yunduan! Bring the crown prince with you! I'll have a good chat with him later!"

"promise!"

Yunduan agreed and went to Zongzheng Temple without saying a word.

Li Shimin and Wei Zheng boarded the carriage to the Prince's Mansion.

At the same time, Zongzheng Temple.

Li Chengqian has been living quite well in the Zongzheng Temple recently.

Because of Li Xiaogong's special care, everything in the Zongzheng Temple was similar to that in the Prince's Mansion except for his lack of freedom.

Especially in terms of food, because Li Xiaogong liked to drink, Li Chengqian specially transferred several chefs from the Prince's Mansion to cook different dishes for Li Xiaogong every day, and all of Li Xiaogong's only resources were used.

In today's Zongzheng Temple, apart from Li Xiaogong, he has almost the final say.

But he heard him say to an official from the Zongzheng Temple: "Master Liu, I need your help with something. You won't refuse, will you?"

"Your Highness, please be polite. If you have any questions, please tell me. I won't refuse you!"

"hehe!"

Li Chengqian smiled slightly when he heard the Zongzheng Temple official's words, then directly instructed him, "It's actually not a big deal. The osmanthus flowers in the Crown Prince's Mansion are blooming, and I want to drink some osmanthus wine!"

"No problem! I'll send someone to notify Lord Cen and have him bring you some wine!"

"Well, you did a good job. This banknote is my reward to you!"

"Haha, Your Highness, you are too polite. This banknote is a rare item. How dare I take it! However, Your Highness, could you please tell me when the East Market Bank will open? I want to deposit my family's money there to earn the interest."

"This"

Li Chengqian hesitated for a moment, seemingly surprised that so many people had already started paying attention to the bank. He smiled and said, "It should be after the Double Ninth Festival. If Sir Liu wants to deposit money, I can write you a note and let you deposit it first! You can earn a few more points of interest!"

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing this, Lord Liu smiled happily and bowed, saying, "Thank you very much, Your Highness!"

After saying that, he left without saying anything else.

After watching him leave, Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes slightly and muttered to himself, "It seems that Cen Wenben has done a good job recently. As long as the powerful people in Chang'an recognize the money house, the economic lifeline of the Tang Dynasty will soon fall into my hands. At that time, whoever becomes the Minister of Revenue will not affect the overall situation."

"As for Li Shimin's fear."

“It seems I have to draw a clear line with him.”

"Otherwise, being constantly held back by him wouldn't be a good thing!"

At this point, Li Chengqian glanced at Li Xiaogong, who was drunk in the corner, and frowned, "Could this guy have drunk himself to death?"

"How could he still be addicted to alcohol and sex at such an old age? No wonder he died suddenly in history!"

As he was about to send Li Xiaogong back to his residence, Yun Duan came in with his men and bowed respectfully, saying, "Prince, His Majesty has asked me to take you back to the Prince's residence!"

Did it work?!

Li Chengqian was overjoyed when he heard this.

Originally, he wanted to find Cen Wenben to ask about Li Yuan's situation, but he didn't expect Li Yuan to be so efficient!

Sure enough, ginger is still spicy!
Look at how I control you, Li Er!
"lead the way!"

　Please give me a monthly ticket, and I wish you good luck and prosperity! Give me the monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)