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

Chapter 41 Li Chengqian: I Add Fuel to My Father's Fire [Please Read]

"No, no, no, this old minister doesn't mean that!"

Seeing the murderous intent on Li Shimin's face, Pei Ji immediately admitted defeat and waved his hands, but he still couldn't help but express his opinion: "What this old minister means is that the reduction of the number of kings will not only make the kings of Yi'an and Changle dissatisfied, but the other kings will also be dissatisfied.

Now, the Prince of Yi'an and the Prince of Changle have put forward the slogan of 'clearing the court and killing Zhangsun Wuji', which just gives these dissatisfied princes an excuse! "

"If you demote Zhangsun Wuji."

Having said this, he felt that everyone's eyes on him were becoming increasingly hostile, so he quickly reiterated, "Of course, I don't agree with killing Changsun Wuji!"

"Humph!"

Changsun Wuji snorted coldly, his face as black as the bottom of a pot.

But Pei Ji didn't care about his feelings at all.

Seeing that Li Shimin did not speak, he sighed and said: "However, if things develop to the point where killing is unavoidable, it is better to demote him now so that we can control the overall situation."

"Ok!"

Li Shimin nodded without any joy or anger and said, "Are you finished?"

"I"

Pei Ji was stunned for a moment, then said earnestly: "I am also worried about the court!"

"Yes! Pei Sikong is anxious for the court, but has Pei Sikong ever thought about how Your Majesty's decrees will be implemented in the future if Your Majesty gives in to these kings? Will they rebel as long as they don't follow the wishes of these kings?" Fang Xuanling finally couldn't help but argue.

"But there's really no need to rush to reduce the number of kings! Can't we take it slowly? Do we have to force them to rebel?" Pei Ji said helplessly.

Du Ruhui sneered, "Reducing the number of kings is national policy. Even if you have objections, you can discuss them, submit a memorial, and reconsider the matter. But rebelling, distributing leaflets, and stirring up public opinion—what kind of thing is that? This shows you don't even take His Majesty seriously!"

"That's right! We must not back down on this matter! Otherwise, there will be endless troubles!" Fang Xuanling echoed.

"This, this, this, this"

Pei Ji looked around and found that no one was on his side, and he was suddenly speechless.

Li Shimin glanced at him calmly and said with dignity;
"Reducing the number of kings is a decision made by the imperial court. I don't want to elaborate on what has already been announced. Now that someone has rebelled, I must give everyone an explanation!"

"Your Majesty, all officials above the fifth rank and the crowned kings in the capital have arrived at the Taiji Palace!"

As soon as Li Shimin finished speaking, a silent report was heard outside the hall.

Li Shimin frowned slightly and asked in a deep voice, "All of them?"

"Apart from the prince, only two county princes under the age of five did not come."

Hearing this, Li Shimin couldn't help but feel moved. What he cared about was not the two princes who were under five years old, but the prince who did not come.

Logically speaking, this incident was the business of the princes. But for some reason, when Li Shimin heard the word "prince", the first person he thought of was Li Chengqian.

What has the rebellious son been doing recently?

Since the proposal to let Li Tai compile the "Zhenguan Encyclopedia", there seems to be no new movement. Could it be that he really listened to the Queen's words, studied hard, and strived to get the first place in the exam?
Thinking of this, Li Shimin suddenly asked Zhangsun Wuji: "Fuji, has Cheng Qian looked for you?"

"what?"

Zhangsun Wuji, who was originally sulking, was startled when he heard Li Shimin's words. He hurriedly said, "I am an outsider and have always abided by the rules of the palace. I have never contacted anyone in the palace without permission!"

"Ah!"

Li Shimin smiled: "I just want to ask you about Cheng Qian. Why are you so nervous?"

"Your Majesty, I have had little contact with Cheng Qian and don't know anything about him."

"but."

Then he changed the subject and said, "If Your Majesty allows, I would like to contact Cheng Qian now."

"Why did you contact him?"

Li Shimin's face darkened: "Do you think he can help you solve this problem?"

"Uh, hard to say." "You!"

Li Shimin was so angry that he raised his finger and was about to lose his temper, but he heard Fang Xuanling hurriedly say: "Your Majesty, it's almost dawn, let's go to Taiji Hall first!"

"Humph!"

Li Shimin snorted coldly, obviously dissatisfied with Zhangsun Wuji's high opinion of Li Chengqian.

But now is not the time to argue with Changsun Wuji.

Without saying a word, he just turned around and walked out of the Liangyi Hall.

The rest of the ministers looked at each other in confusion.

Especially Fang Xuanling and Zhangsun Wuji, both of them smiled knowingly as if they knew the truth.

Given Li Chengqian's intelligence, it's hard to say what the outcome of this matter will be.

On the other side, in Cen Wenben’s mansion.

For some unknown reason, Li Chengqian stayed overnight at Cen Benwen's house, which made him feel embarrassed.

But Cen Wenben was very happy. That night, he even ignored his wife and children, and talked with Li Chengqian by candlelight all night. He said a lot of things he shouldn't have said and talked about a lot of things he shouldn't have talked about.

In particular, Li Chengqian's position as crown prince made this top strategist very worried.

"Your Highness, in my opinion, it is only a matter of time before you reinstate the crown prince. The key lies in how to consolidate your position as crown prince after the reinstatement!" Cen Wenben said seriously.

Li Chengqian glanced at him and said with a hint of amusement, "What are your thoughts, sir?"

"Although I am not entirely clear on the concerns Your Highness raised during the court meeting, I find Your Highness's request to depose the Crown Prince quite brilliant!"

"What's so wonderful about it?"

"First, completely destroy His Majesty's idea of ​​appointing a virtuous person. Second, turn passivity into initiative. Gain a dominant position in the decision-making power of the Eastern Palace officials."

Li Chengqian's eyes lit up. "You mean, the Crown Prince can decide the officials of the Eastern Palace?"

"According to normal procedures, whether it's the crown prince or the emperor, all officials must be reviewed by the Ministry of Personnel, approved by the emperor, and appointed by the Ministry of Personnel."

"but."

He then changed the subject and continued, "The Supreme Emperor has already issued an edict, 'The Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace shall be entrusted with all matters other than military and national affairs.' In other words, as long as the Crown Prince holds the initiative in front of Your Majesty, the procedure will be of no importance."

“That’s really wonderful.”

Li Chengqian laughed. This was going to add fuel to the fire for Emperor Li II!

But then Cen Wenben continued, "Although having his own officials in the Eastern Palace can stabilize the Crown Prince's position, Your Highness's influence is still too small. If you want to completely secure the Crown Prince's position, you must expand your influence, such as becoming famous throughout the world."

“How do I become famous?”

Li Chengqian suddenly became interested.

Cen Wenben smiled and said, "I am not talented, but I am quite famous in the Jiangnan area. If Your Highness trusts me, I can help you with this matter. Apart from anything else, the people of Jiangnan are more than enough for Your Highness to use!"

"Hahaha!"

Li Chengqian raised his head and laughed, thinking that this is what he had been waiting for.

However, after laughing, he asked curiously, "Why are you so sure that it's only a matter of time before I reinstate you as the Crown Prince?"

"If Your Highness cannot reinstate the prince with my help, it will be my incompetence!" Cen Wenben said calmly and confidently.

Li Chengqian looked at him in surprise, then smiled knowingly: "In that case, let's go back to the palace together!"

"Go back to the palace together?"

"Yes! Return to the palace and become the crown prince!"

　[Seeking monthly tickets, recommendation tickets, follow-up reading, collection]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)