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

Chapter 240 It turns out that the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty can really make the decision! [Seeking monthly votes]

Although the polo match among the princes was very intense, the foreign envoys lost interest and became bored because Li Chengqian did not participate.

Even the civil and military officials who cheered for you were few and far between.

Li Shimin, who was originally very interested, became absent-minded, perhaps because he was squeezed out by Li Yuan or because the game off the court lacked highlights.

On the contrary, a group of concubines who had no sportsmanship watched their sons' performance with beautiful eyes and smiles on their faces.

As for Li Chengqian and other princes and princesses, although they did not participate in the competition, they came to the sidelines in a friendly and harmonious manner, cheering for the princes who were competing.

"Why doesn't the Crown Prince participate in the polo match?" Li Lizhi asked suddenly, blinking her beautiful eyes.

Li Chengqian glanced at her, smiled and shook his head, saying, "I don't know how to play polo, so I won't participate!"

"Ah? That's such a shame! The Crown Prince is so talented, why doesn't he learn polo? It's actually very simple!"

"Human energy is limited. Learning everything is not a good thing!"

"This"

Li Lizhi hesitated for a moment, then nodded as if she understood, and continued, "Then according to the Crown Prince, what should I learn in order to be as powerful as the Crown Prince?"

"Ah!"

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "You are too kind, my Royal Brother. I am not that great. I just know a little more than others."

"Then I want to learn as much as my royal brother!"

Li Lizhi said with a pout, tears flickering in the corners of her eyes.

Because Li Chengqian's previous performance saved her like a hero, making her feel that Li Chengqian was the best brother in the world, but Li Chengqian's current attitude seemed to be deliberately alienating her.

That's why the gap in her heart was so huge.

Li Chengqian seemed to sense Li Lizhi's change of mood and could not help but sigh in frustration. He said, "Lizhi, some things cannot be judged by appearances alone. Just because you think your brother is good doesn't mean everyone thinks he is good. We must look beyond the surface to see the essence."

"What are the phenomena and essences that my royal brother mentioned?" Li Lizhi sniffed her nose, blinked her big watery eyes, and asked Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian thought for a moment and said, "Let me put it this way. Why do you think Murong Shun chose you as his marriage partner?"

"Because I am the most beautiful!" Li Lizhi said without thinking.

Li Chengqian's mouth twitched, and he couldn't help but raise his hand to support his forehead. It seemed that the people in Li Er's family were all the same. Both men and women were full of self-confidence.

No wonder Li You, a mere vassal king, dared to rebel openly.

There is also Li Tai, who dared to fight for the throne after reading a few more books.

What's even more crazy is that Li Zhi actually handed over the government to a woman, and ended up with something terrible.

What a weird family.

However, it was precisely because of this strange family that Li Chengqian had to re-examine his future.

Perhaps after this Double Ninth Festival banquet, he will become different from them.

"Crown Prince! Crown Prince!"

Just when Li Chengqian seemed to be lost in thought, Li Lizhi's voice reached his ears again. He was obviously stunned for a moment, then came to his senses and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Brother, look down!"

Li Lizhi raised her hand and pointed at the polo field below, exclaiming, "Qingque's polo team is going to win!"

"This"

Li Chengqian hesitated for a moment, then said with a somewhat amused look, "If he wins, then he wins. Why are you so excited? Did you bet on the game?"

"I didn't bet on the game, I just didn't want him to win!" Li Lizhi said angrily.

Li Chengqian smiled at her and said soothingly, "Isn't it just a polo match? Why don't you form a team and compete with him in the future?"

"Humph! I'm not forming a polo team. If my brother the Crown Prince doesn't play, then I won't play either!"

Li Lizhi snorted coldly, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "I remember the Crown Prince held a rugby tournament. Does the Crown Prince know how to play rugby?"

Li Chengqian paused for a moment after hearing this, then asked with amusement, "You want to form a rugby team?"

"Yes! My father said he would give me a princess's mansion. I want to form a women's rugby team and play a game!" Li Lizhi said excitedly.

Li Chengqian couldn't help but glance at her in surprise and said, "Women's rugby team? Still having a match? Who are they playing against?"

"With cousin Xueya! I heard she also formed a women's rugby team. And several other sisters seem to be forming rugby teams as well!"

"Li Xueya?"

"Yes! It's cousin Xueya!"

Li Lizhi smiled and nodded. "It's said that Uncle Jiangxia's family has two rugby teams. One was founded by the King of Jiangxia, and the other was founded by my cousin Xueya. They often play games behind closed doors. It's so much fun!"

"Uh," Li Chengqian's mouth twitched, and he thought to himself that it turned out that not only Li Er's family was weird, but even Li Er's relatives were weird.

What a weird family this is!

However, this Li Xueya
Ever since the last time he met her, Li Chengqian always felt that she was somewhat familiar. Later, when he thought about it carefully, he realized that this Li Xueya was actually the famous Princess Wencheng.

Princess Wencheng's husband was Songzan Gampo, the future overlord of the plateau.

If we follow the original historical calculations, Songtsen Gampo should come to the Tang Dynasty to propose marriage soon.

Although Li Shimin did not agree to his first proposal, as the Tang Dynasty faced surrounding challenges and Songtsen Gampo gradually demonstrated his strength, Li Shimin agreed to his second proposal.

It was precisely because of Princess Wencheng's marriage that the advanced culture, agricultural technology, medical knowledge, etc. of the Central Plains were brought to Tubo, which made Tubo a serious threat.

Of course, this marriage was highly praised in history because it promoted economic and cultural exchanges at that time.

But from the perspective of later generations, Li Chengqian obviously did not approve of this marriage.

Because in Li Chengqian's view, this marriage was tantamount to aiding the enemy.

So, after recalling that Li Xueya was Princess Wencheng, the first thing he thought of was to stop this marriage.

He would even break the bones of all those who wanted to marry into the Tang Dynasty at any cost.

Including Li Shimin.

Just as Li Chengqian made up his mind, a sudden voice came over: "The Deputy Envoy of Japan, Soga Shizuka, greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty!"

"Ok?"

Li Chengqian was slightly stunned, then looked in the direction of the voice.

He saw a woman who was about the same height as Li Lizhi, slightly less pretty and beautiful than her, but with a slightly better figure. She appeared in his sight and frowned and asked, "Are you the princess of Japan?"

"hehe."

Soga Shizuka smiled lightly, with a hint of the gracefulness of a Jiangnan woman, and a breath of youth, and said in a gentle and charming voice, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is indeed very powerful. I was just named the Sakura Princess by His Majesty the Emperor not long ago, you will know it."

As he said this, he bowed to Li Chengqian, which made Li Chengqian look puzzled. He thought to himself, I was just asking casually, why are you still on the show?

However, Li Chengqian was also very curious about the Sakura Princess's purpose in visiting him, so he smiled and joked, "I didn't expect the Sakura Princess to speak the Central Plains dialect so well. It seems that she is very well prepared for this trip to the Tang Dynasty!"

"Your Highness, I'm sorry to have embarrassed you. The culture of the Central Plains is vast and profound, and I've only learned the basics. If there's anything you don't understand in the future, I hope Your Highness will be willing to teach me. I'll be grateful."

"Ah!"

Li Chengqian laughed and thought to himself that the Japanese really like to climb the pole. Who is my identity? Who are you? Are you qualified to ask me for advice?
However, just as Li Chengqian was about to mock Princess Sakura, another voice rang out from beside him: "Your Highness the Crown Prince is kind and loving, how could he be so self-centered? Princess Sakura is so rude! How could she speak to His Highness the Crown Prince in such a way?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Chengqian saw two men in kimonos walking towards him. He naturally knew who these two men were.

One was the chief envoy of Japan, Inuue Otaha, and the other was the deputy envoy, Yakushi Keihi.

The person who spoke just now was Inuue Mita no Kuwata.

This Japanese man has traveled back and forth between Japan and the Central Plains twice and has a good understanding of the Sui and Tang cultures.

But judging from what they said, aren't they the same kind of people?

But they bowed respectfully and said, "The Japanese envoys, Inugami Mita and Yakushi Keihi, greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

"No need to formalize, envoys!" Li Chengqian waved his hand indifferently, with impatience evident in his tone.

But these two Japanese envoys were very thick-skinned and did not care about the impatience in Li Chengqian's words. They talked to Li Chengqian about the situation of Japan and their admiration for the Tang Dynasty.

Soga Shizuka, also known as the Sakura Princess, who arrived first, became very well-behaved the moment the two envoys came over. She remained silent and did not say a word, just standing respectfully aside.

Li Lizhi also remained silent.

She was seen looking at Soga Shizuka's figure from time to time, sometimes showing a disdainful expression, sometimes showing an envious and jealous expression. In short, her expressions were very rich, which made Li Chengqian, who was originally a little impatient, both funny and helpless.

Sure enough, women in any era cannot escape the fate of comparison.

"Your Highness! It is such a great honor to see you here!"

Just as Inuue Oden Kuwabe and Yakushi Keihi were patiently telling the purpose of their visit to the Tang Dynasty, Li Chengqian saw two men wearing clothes similar to those of grassland herdsmen, walking towards them with a smile.

It is no surprise that these two men were envoys from Goguryeo.

But they smiled and saluted, saying, "Goguryeo envoys, Gao Jianshou and Li Siyuan, greet the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty!"

"No need to be so polite, envoys!"

Li Chengqian politely waved his hand to interrupt them, then glanced at the Japanese envoys who had just been talking to him but were now silent, and said with a smile: "My envoys, please enjoy yourself. I have other things to do, so I won't stay here with you!"

After saying this, he pulled Li Lizhi back to the Chrysanthemum Terrace.

When the other princes and princesses saw Li Chengqian and his sister leave, they also left.

The envoys from Goguryeo and Japan were left looking at each other in bewilderment.

Princess Sakura, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly spoke up: "I've told you before, don't think that Murong Shun will get close to us just because we've offended him!"

"In his eyes, we are just like Murong Shun, uninvited guests!"

"Then according to Princess Sakura, what should we do?" Inuugami Oden asked with a frown.

"Humph!"

Princess Sakura snorted coldly, glanced at Inujou Oden with disdain, and said, "Why do you need the Soga clan to help you out of the mess that Nakatomi Kamatari has made?"

"What do you mean, Princess Sakura? We are all here with a mission from His Majesty the Emperor. If we fail to complete the mission, your father Soga no Iruka will also be held accountable by His Majesty the Emperor!" Yakushi Huiri said somewhat displeased.

Princess Sakura was about to retort when Li Siyuan interrupted her, saying, "I think we should follow Murong Shun's plan. If it succeeds, we'll all share in the profits. If it fails, he'll bear the full consequences. You and I will definitely not offend the Tang Dynasty because of this!"

"That's right! While the polo match of those princes has just ended, you and I might as well plan our next course of action!" Gao Jianshou echoed.

Everyone looked at each other and nodded silently.

At the same time, Li Chengqian had just returned to the Chrysanthemum Terrace with Li Lizhi and his other brothers and sisters when Li Tai came over triumphantly, holding the Panlong Jade Pendant given to him by Li Shimin. "Crown Prince, where have you been? Did you see my match just now? Wasn't it exciting?"

"Humph! What's so exciting about this? If you hadn't cheated, I would have been the winner!"

Before Li Chengqian could respond to Li Tai, Li You snorted in disdain.

But when Li Tai heard Li You's cold snort, he did not get angry. Instead, he raised the jade pendant in his hand with a smile and said provocatively, "According to you, father has also made a mistake?"

“I, I didn’t say that.”

Li You's face changed and he couldn't help but stammer as he looked at Li Shimin.

But Li Shimin was drinking and chatting with his concubines as if nothing had happened, as if he had heard nothing and seen nothing.

However, before Li You could breathe a sigh of relief, Li Tai said provocatively: "As the saying goes, all is fair in war. If the King of Yan is not convinced, we can have another fight, or..."

Having said that, he glanced at Li Chengqian and said with a smile: "You can find a helper who you think can help you win!"

"I"

Li You opened his mouth, wanting to say something but stopped, then he set his eyes on Li Chengqian.

However, before Li Chengqian could respond, Li Lizhi on the side angrily said, "Brother You, how about I help you?"

"what?"

Li You looked at Li Lizhi in bewilderment, thinking, "Why are you helping me? This is a man's game!"
As if noticing Li You's embarrassment, Li Ke, who was not far away, came over and consoled Li Lizhi, saying, "Changle, don't mess around. Playing polo is a bit dangerous for you. If anything happens, your father will..."

"Hey, Third Brother, my eldest brother doesn't care about me, why are you caring about me?"

Li Lizhi stamped her foot impatiently, then looked up at Li Chengqian and said eagerly, "Brother, can you help me?"

Li Chengqian frowned: "Didn't I tell you I can't play polo?"

"But Qingque..."

"your Highness!"

Just as Li Lizhi was about to persuade Li Chengqian to help him, a loud shout suddenly came from the Chrysanthemum Terrace: "Little Wang is willing to help you play this polo match!"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar!

It goes without saying that the voice came from Murong Shun.

So, everyone's eyes fell on Murong Shun again.

Murong Shun stood up with a smile, saluted Li Lizhi on the Chrysanthemum Terrace, and then looked at Li Shimin and said, "Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, I heard that the Tang Dynasty allows envoys from all countries to participate in this polo match. I wonder if Tuyuhun can participate?"

“Who wants you to participate?”

Li Lizhi glared at him with disgust, then turned to look at Li Chengqian again.

But Li Chengqian's gaze had already shifted to Li Shimin.

But then Li Shimin said solemnly, "I have promised the Crown Prince to host the Chongyang Banquet. I will leave this matter to the Crown Prince!"

"Then may I ask the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty, can you allow me to participate?" Murong Shun asked Li Chengqian again.

Li Chengqian frowned, then said calmly and indifferently, "Come on together!"

"What!?"

When everyone heard this, they were suddenly shocked.

Even Murong Shun was a little at a loss, as if he suspected he had misheard, so he couldn't help but ask again: "What does the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty mean?"

"No, I'm saying, are you guys done yet? Don't you understand what I'm saying? Our prince is saying, all of you envoys, come if you dare!"

Before Li Chengqian could explain, Cheng Yaojin stood up angrily, and then bowed to Li Chengqian and said, "Your Highness, count me in!"

"And me!" Yuchi Gong also stepped forward.

Immediately afterwards, the generals stood up from their seats one after another.

However, despite so many generals supporting him, Li Chengqian did not respond at all.

But he said calmly, "I don't play polo, but I'm not afraid of any challenge. You four countries are latecomers. According to the tradition of our Tang Dynasty, there is a first come, first served principle."

"but."

Then he changed the subject and continued, "I'm willing to break this rule for you and compete with you!"

"This"

Murong Shun was delighted at first when he heard this, because Li Chengqian didn't know how to play polo. But when he thought about Li Chengqian's previous performance and the support of so many generals, he hesitated again and frowned, saying, "It doesn't seem fair for so many of you to compete with us!"

"No, there are only four of us!"

Li Chengqian shook his head, then raised his hand and pointed, "It's just me, Li Zhi, Xue Rengui, and Su Dingfang. The four of us will compete with you!"

"What!?"

Everyone was shocked again when they heard this.

Even Li Shimin, Li Yuan, Empress Zhangsun, and the envoys from twenty-nine countries below the stage stood up with looks of surprise on their faces.

"Cheng Qian! You are not kidding, are you?" Changsun Wuji asked in surprise.

The other generals and princes also echoed.

"Yes, Your Highness! Don't try to be so stubborn!"

"Brother Crown Prince, I'll follow you!"

"Prince."

Facing the clamor of the crowd, Li Chengqian looked at them calmly and said solemnly, "Sir, don't joke!"

boom!
The whole audience was shocked!

It seemed that no one expected that Li Chengqian would say these four words on such an occasion.

You know, these four words represent more than just "commitment", but "power".

Who can say "I am not joking" in public?

Emperor!
Is the Crown Prince of Tang so powerful?
He actually said these four words in front of all the civil and military officials in the court and foreign envoys.

So everyone turned their eyes to Li Shimin, hoping to see him get furious.

However, when Li Shimin faced the gazes of the crowd, his face was expressionless. He simply stared at Li Chengqian until the whole place fell silent. Then he asked coldly, "Prince, have you thought it through?"

"Didn't His Majesty say it? I have the final say on this Double Ninth Festival banquet!"

Li Chengqian still looked back at Li Shimin calmly and said lightly.

When Li Shimin heard him call himself "Gu" and "Your Majesty", he knew he was serious.

If he went against him, there would be only one result: they would have a complete breakup at the banquet.

However, Li Shimin could not understand why the situation turned out like this without any warning.

Even his father didn't leave him any loopholes.

Could this be the case of "the real purpose is revealed"?
Just when I thought this was an ordinary and grand banquet, the power struggle had already begun?

Or is it that this unfilial son is hiding his incompetence by saying he can't play polo?
Is he ready to make a big splash?
Just when Li Shimin was puzzled, a familiar voice suddenly rang out from among the civil and military officials: "Your Majesty, I impeach the Crown Prince for disrespect!"

Swish!
Everyone's eyes fell on the person who spoke.

The man was none other than Cui Renshi, the head of the Cui family.

Seeing Cui Renshi stand up, the heads of the other five surnames and seven families also stood up.

"Your Majesty! I impeach the Crown Prince for acting on his own initiative and showing disrespect for the Emperor!"

"Your Majesty! The Crown Prince has already decided on the winners of the 29 nations. To change his mind so suddenly is truly inappropriate!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! The Crown Prince is completely lawless. Your Majesty, please take a closer look!"

When Li Shimin heard these impeachments, he suddenly felt enlightened and his thoughts became clear.

They were waiting here!
I was wondering why the prince was so reckless. It turns out he was trying to provoke them, not me!
Thinking of this, Li Shimin subconsciously looked at Li Chengqian, and then at Cui Renshi in the audience.

Although he knew that Li Chengqian had plotted against him, now was the perfect opportunity for Li Chengqian to deal with the aristocratic families and suppress the arrogance of the four Tuyuhun countries. If he tried to trip up Li Chengqian, he would probably not have such an opportunity again in the future.

So, after weighing the pros and cons, Li Shimin finally decided to tolerate Li Chengqian first.

After all, we have to be united against the outside world at this time.

But he heard him say solemnly and majestically, "The Crown Prince is the heir to the throne of a country! As a king, you cannot joke!"

"What!?"

When everyone heard this, they were shocked.

Even the officials from other aristocratic families who were ready to stand up and support Cui Renshi and his group were stunned.

what's the situation?
How could His Majesty be so indulgent towards the Crown Prince?!

In fact, not only the officials from these aristocratic families, but also other civil and military officials, and envoys from various countries, all looked at Li Shimin in amazement.

At the same time, an amazing idea popped up in my mind.

It turns out that the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty really has the final say!
"Okay, let's put other things aside for later, let's get on with the competition first!"

Li Chengqian made a prompt decision and waved his hand.

Murong Shun and others looked at each other, and without any nonsense, they walked directly to the center of the field.

However, just as the polo match was about to begin, the Sakura Princess suddenly said, "I heard that there were prizes for matches in the Tang Dynasty. I wonder if there will be prizes for our match?"

"Ah!"

Li Chengqian laughed when he heard her words: "If you win, the Tang Dynasty will grant you whatever you want!"

"What about our princess?" Murong Shun couldn't help but ask.

Li Chengqian smiled coldly, but did not answer him. Instead, he gave the order directly: "The game begins!"

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a "bang" and the polo ball was hit away.

The scene instantly became exciting.

　[Please give me a monthly ticket. Please give me a monthly ticket. Please give me a monthly ticket.]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)