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

Chapter 61 Whom to obey? The Emperor?

"What I am worried about is not the rumors themselves."

"Your Majesty, I am also deeply pleased with the changes in His Highness the Crown Prince. Opening the Eastern Palace and accepting advice and studying diligently are all proper duties for a crown prince. However, excessive activity can easily incite disputes and make it easy for unscrupulous people to take advantage of the situation and cause trouble. I still believe that the way of a crown prince lies in being discreet and that his actions must be measured and disciplined."

"The crown prince is the foundation of the country and must be trained before he can shoulder the weight of the nation."

"I believe that His Highness the Crown Prince should be involved more in confidential matters and handle more complex political affairs, such as... refining the specific strategies for relocating people from Xizhou, or collaborating with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of War to optimize the allocation of grain and provisions for border towns. Only in this way can his ability to govern the country be improved more quickly."

His words both affirmed the Crown Prince's potential progress and reiterated the importance of "stillness".

The Crown Prince should focus his main energy on state affairs and not get entangled in trivial matters such as rumors and gossip.

It also subtly echoed Wei Zheng's previous advice, but the tone was much more tactful than when Wei Zheng was in the Eastern Palace, focusing more on reminding His Majesty to pay attention to norms and boundaries.

After listening to the opinions of several important ministers, Li Shimin's face remained expressionless; he merely nodded slightly, as if he had only listened to an ordinary discussion.

“What you all say makes sense.”

He gave a brief summary, then changed the subject, as if the previous discussion was just idle chatter and that he was now getting to the point.

“As the Crown Prince grows older, since the Zhenguan era, I have often thought of giving him experience in politics. According to the regulations, when I am away from the capital or ill, the Crown Prince should listen to the government and oversee the affairs of the country in the Xiande Hall of the Eastern Palace. However, in recent years, I have been in good health and have traveled less, so this regulation has gradually been relaxed.”

His gaze swept over the crowd, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable decisiveness.

"Now that the Crown Prince has shown significant progress, I decree that, effective immediately, the system of the Crown Prince attending court every five days shall be reinstated. All matters of state shall be summarized by the Three Departments; the most important matters shall be presented directly to me, while ordinary affairs and some debatable issues shall be sent to the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince may summon officials from the Eastern Palace and relevant departments in the Xiande Hall for a dialogue, present their opinions, and formulate a report, which shall then be submitted to me for review and decision. What do you all think?"

Upon hearing this, several high-ranking officials in the hall were slightly moved.

Restore the Crown Prince's right to rule!

This is undoubtedly an extremely strong signal!

After a series of upheavals in the Eastern Palace, and even just now when those absurd rumors were being discussed, His Majesty not only did not further restrict the Crown Prince, but instead granted him substantial political power!

The implications of this are thought-provoking.

Does His Majesty truly believe that the Crown Prince has reformed and is capable of being entrusted with important responsibilities?

Or... a more sophisticated test and control?

To place the crown prince under more public scrutiny and expose his actions to the light of day.

Or perhaps, another way to deal with the "power" behind the Crown Prince's palace—to bring it into the formal bureaucratic framework and use the system to constrain and monitor it?
Changsun Wuji bowed first: "Your Majesty is wise! It is an established law of our ancestors for the Crown Prince to oversee the country and to train the heir apparent. I second that proposal."

Fang Xuanling, Gao Shilian, and others also expressed their agreement.

This is simply what is inherent in the system, and no one can object to it.

However, everyone has their own speculations about the true intentions behind this sudden "trust".

"If that's the case, then proceed accordingly. The specific details will be drafted by the Secretariat and the Chancellery."

Li Shimin made the final decision, ending this small-scale political discussion.

The officials left the Liangyi Hall and walked along the palace path. The sun shone brightly, but it could not illuminate the thoughts in their hearts.

Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling walked side by side. After a moment of silence, Changsun Wuji suddenly spoke calmly: "Xuanling, do you think that 'not afraid of being crushed to pieces' was really something a cat could scratch?"

Fang Xuanling did not stop walking, his eyes fixed ahead, and he responded calmly: "What difference does it make whether it's a cat or a person? The poem is good, and the heart is evident. Fu Ji, sometimes water that is too clear has no fish."

Changsun Wuji chuckled and said nothing more.

The apprehension about the unknown in my heart did not dissipate.

He looked up at the azure sky, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

The storm may seem to have subsided, but the undercurrents beneath the surface may be even more turbulent than before.

That person hiding in the shadows of the Eastern Palace… he'd like to see how long they can remain hidden. And Your Majesty, by suppressing this matter today, is not having forgotten it; you are likely simply waiting for a more opportune moment.

The Eastern Palace, Xiande Hall.

Li Chengqian held the imperial edict that had just been transferred from the Secretariat in his hand. His fingertips turned slightly white from the force he exerted, but his face was filled with an irrepressible flush of excitement.

He read it three times to make sure he had not misunderstood the imperial decree.

Regent!

what does this mean?
This means that he is no longer just a "problem" crown prince who is confined to the East Palace and can only passively accept reprimands and tests!
He gained real power, even if it was limited and required the final decision of his father!

He could legitimately access government affairs, summon officials, and express his opinions!

This is a thousand times better than his previous attempts to secretly befriend Hou Junji and Li Yuanchang, or to set up a small-scale consultation hall!
"Hahaha! Good! Good! Father Emperor is wise! Father Emperor is truly wise!"

Li Chengqian couldn't help but burst into laughter, limping excitedly through the hall, his face flushed red with excitement.

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

He could use this opportunity to place his own people in positions of power and to get involved in the specifics of the development of Xizhou.

Yes... we can truly begin cultivating our own loyal forces!

No longer do we have to rely on lowly companions and frustrated military officers like before!

This is the "Crown Prince Project" that Yi Chen was talking about!

He seemed to see that by taking the lead in the affairs of Xizhou, countless talents, resources and information would converge on the Eastern Palace, and he would have the opportunity to place his confidants, cultivate his loyal followers and accumulate real political capital!

This is far more substantial than the empty reputation of Wei King Li Tai's compilation of the "Kuodi Zhi"!

"Yichen! Yichen!"

He was almost impatient. When it was his turn to accompany Li Yichen in his studies, he pushed the imperial edict in front of him, his voice hoarse with excitement.

"Look! Father has restored my right to rule. He has also allowed me to participate in the coordination of affairs in Xizhou. I can now proceed with my duties!"

Li Yichen accepted the imperial edict, quickly glanced through it, and showed little surprise on his face, only nodding slightly.

"Congratulations, Your Highness. His Majesty's actions are both an expression of trust and a test."

"A test?" Li Chengqian was taken aback, then waved his hand dismissively.

"As long as I can get things done, what's there to fear about trials! I've been worried about not having a place to use my skills! Now that I have this gateway to Xizhou, I can..."

He excitedly made plans, countless blueprints appearing in his mind.

Which capable officials should be selected to go to Xizhou? How should we deal with those old hands in the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of War to secure more resources? How should we utilize the benefits of the trade to accumulate wealth for the Crown Prince?

Li Yichen listened quietly without interrupting.

Li Chengqian continued talking until his throat was dry, then picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

Li Yichen slowly spoke: "Your Highness's ambition is very gratifying. Xizhou is indeed a good opportunity for Your Highness to accumulate strength and cultivate your loyal followers. However, does Your Highness know what the most important thing to do next is?"

Li Chengqian put down his teacup and said without hesitation, "Naturally, we should come up with a detailed plan as soon as possible, select capable people, and handle this matter beautifully, so that Father and the court officials can see my abilities!"

“No, Your Highness.” Li Yichen shook his head, looking at him calmly.

"The most important thing to do next is to 'comply'."

"Submission?" Li Chengqian's excitement froze instantly, and his brows furrowed.

"Obey whom? Obey Father? But Father has already made me do things!"

(End of this chapter)