The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

Chapter 53 looks down on these petty tricks.

"Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, did this in the face of suppression from his grandmother, Empress Dowager Dou, and the old ministers before he ascended the throne."

"He concealed his brilliance and even deliberately showed his fondness for Huang-Lao philosophy to lull his opponents into complacency and secretly accumulate strength. At that time, he was in a more dangerous situation than Your Highness is now, with powerful vassals outside and powerful ministers inside, because he also had a powerful grandmother above him."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian snorted coldly, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"Emperor Wu of Han? Hmph, wasn't he just two-faced? He appeared compliant on the surface, but who knows how many schemes he was plotting behind the scenes! Wasn't that hypocritical?"

“Your Highness is right!” Li Yichen immediately affirmed, his tone even carrying a hint of appreciation.

"It's all about saying one thing to people and another behind their backs! It's all about hypocrisy! But that's precisely one of the most common and often most effective survival rules in the game of power."

His tone suddenly changed, and his eyes sharpened.

"But why didn't I let Your Highness take this path? Because I know better than anyone that Your Highness cannot do it!"

These words were like a needle, precisely puncturing Li Chengqian's balloon of anger.

He opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but found himself unable to do so.

He simply can't do it!

That kind of long-term, suppressed forbearance will drive him crazy!

"Wei Zheng's strategy is based on the assumption of 'rational man,' assuming that His Highness can completely control his emotions and, like the most precise abacus, only calculate gains and losses, without caring about honor or disgrace. According to this assumption, his words are indeed golden advice!"

"But he overlooked the fact that Your Highness is first and foremost a human being, a hot-blooded young man who has been traumatized! Forcing you down that path will only result in a complete breakdown at some point, which could lead to even greater disaster."

Li Yichen's words thoroughly dissected Li Chengqian's deepest inner struggles.

"Therefore, my strategy for Your Highness is to do the opposite! Not to suppress, but to guide; not to pretend to be harmless, but to appropriately show your edges, and even... to proactively bring certain conflicts to the forefront, keeping them within a tolerable range. This path may seem more risky, but it is precisely more in line with Your Highness's situation and temperament! This is the optimal solution tailored for you under the existing rules!"

These words stirred Li Chengqian's emotions. His anger gradually subsided, replaced by a profound sense of understanding.

Yes, he simply couldn't achieve that kind of complete restraint.

Li Yichen analyzed without reservation: "Whether it's opening the Eastern Palace to deal with the investigation, using the law to question the censors, or even the more drastic measures we might use next, in His Majesty's eyes, they are nothing more than the petty squabbles of young people, the cleverness of pawns in the eyes of a chess player. They control the overall situation, set the rules, and look down on these petty tricks."

"They look down on me?" Li Chengqian felt a surge of hot blood rush to his head, and his fists clenched instantly.

This feeling of being looked down upon was more unbearable for him than a direct attack.

"Your Highness, rest assured," Li Yichen's voice remained steady, yet carried an undeniable certainty.

“They will be ‘surprised’ by His Highness.” He looked at Li Chengqian, a calculating glint in his eyes.

"Our current actions may seem like we're struggling within the rules, but in reality, we are subtly and gradually changing their perception of the 'chess game' itself. While they are used to viewing Your Highness with old eyes, thinking that Your Highness only knows these petty tricks, Your Highness is actually building up your prestige, striking at your opponents, and even... subtly influencing His Majesty's decision-making weight. It's like playing chess; they think we're preoccupied with the gains and losses of individual pieces, but they don't know that we are quietly overturning the chessboard."

Li Chengqian was deeply moved, but his remaining rationality allowed him to grasp another key point. He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

"Yichen, but won't this make those old ministers who value virtue and uphold the grand principles scrutinize me more, thus distancing themselves from me and becoming even less supportive of me?"

This was his deepest fear—to lose the support of his court officials and become a truly isolated person.

Li Yichen shook his head.

“Your Highness, you have misunderstood something. The support of courtiers is never gained through ‘flattery’ and ‘perfection,’ especially when you are at a disadvantage. The core task you need to do now is not to win everyone’s support; that’s something to consider after you ascend the throne. You only need to do one thing now: secure your position as heir apparent.”

"How to maintain stability? By yielding, you will only make your opponent think you are weak and easy to bully, and they will become even more aggressive. Only by making appropriate, measured, and even seemingly 'outrageous' but legally and morally justifiable counterattacks can you draw your bottom line and demonstrate your strength and resilience!"

"Think about it, what do those neutral, observing court officials really value? They value the future returns and risks! Is a crown prince who only knows how to endure and has no power to fight back worth their bet? The risk is too high; he could be deposed at any time. On the other hand, a crown prince who knows how to endure and also how to fight back, who can hold his ground under the dual pressure of His Majesty and the Prince of Wei, and even occasionally turn the tide, is someone who allows them to see more of his 'potential' and 'stability'!"

“All the ‘little tricks’ we’re using now may seem underhanded to them at first. But when they gradually realize that Your Highness’s every ‘little trick’ can precisely hit the opponent’s sore spot, can create space for yourself under unfavorable rules, and can make His Majesty feel ‘tricky’ rather than ‘easily manipulated’ when dealing with your problems, they will begin to re-evaluate you.”

Li Yichen's gaze was like a cold star, staring directly into Li Chengqian's eyes, which were gradually brightening.

"The result of this scrutiny will not be a simple distancing. Some veteran officials may be displeased, but more pragmatic and moderate individuals who are shrewd and seek to benefit from your rise to power will be more inclined to stand with you! Because they will see that you are not a fish to be slaughtered, that you have the ability to protect yourself in complex situations, and even... protect those who will follow you in the future! This ability is often more attractive in power struggles than empty reputation for benevolence!"

"Is that so?" Li Chengqian's voice trembled slightly with excitement. The picture Li Yichen described was completely different from the "endurance and waiting" that he had been instilled with before. It was a path full of challenges but more in line with his temperament, a path that would allow him to vent his anger, show his strength, and at the same time truly win support!

This feeling made his blood boil.

“Yes, Your Highness.” Li Yichen nodded firmly.

"The key lies in 'degree.' Our counterattacks must be disguised as 'seeking advice,' 'obeying the law,' and 'self-reflection.' We must make His Majesty feel that you are just being a little willful in your growth, rather than truly rebelling. As long as we grasp this degree, every seemingly risky action will be adding the most solid foundation to your future throne. They may look down on 'petty tricks,' but they will succumb to the unshakable trend built up by countless petty tricks."

Li Chengqian stood still, his chest heaving violently, the confusion and anger in his eyes long since replaced by a light mixed with ambition and excitement.

He felt as if a door to a new world had suddenly opened before him, and behind the door was not oppressive darkness, but a vast world where he could unleash his power and gamble on the future.

"I...understand!" he said emphatically, his voice filled with determination.

　Thank you so much for your monthly tickets and recommendation votes, dear readers!!! I bow deeply to all the readers who voted!!! I'll be updating two extra chapters today to express my gratitude!

　　Also, I'd like to explain why Li Chengqian seems to be growing up rather slowly in the story!
　　Given the limited time available, I hope my portrayal of Li Chengqian is as historically accurate as possible. Li Chengqian's position as crown prince was arguably the easiest to maintain among all crown princes throughout history. As many readers have pointed out, as long as Li Chengqian remained low-key, emulated Emperor Wu of Han, and refrained from rebellion, everything else would have been minor issues. However, I believe Li Chengqian might not have been able to do that. Therefore, the path of Li Chengqian's growth in the novel doesn't align with the path a rational person would choose. I sincerely apologize to readers who don't wish to see a rebellious figure rise to power!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)