Time Travel: I am the idle king Li Shen and Li Shimin in the Tang Dynasty

As is well known, Prince Ji did not attend court, did not report for duty, and did not participate in state affairs.

Although the Tang Dynasty law stipulated that nobles could attend court to discuss politics, especially someone like Li Shen, who held the title of Prince, would participate in court affairs.

Even those without official positions or real power are subject to this rule.

Because participating in a country's resolutions is itself a symbol of status and position.

It was widely known that Prince Ji, Li Shen, never came to court, and that the entire court was aware of this. It was because Prince Ji couldn't get up that early that he was unwilling to attend court.

However, there is one situation where something big happens: every time Prince Ji comes, someone will suffer misfortune.

This caused all the officials in the court to feel insecure whenever Li Shen saw Prince Ji come to court.

Li Shen never disappointed; every time he attended court, he would turn the court upside down.

So when Li Shimin learned that Li Shen was attending court, how could he let this grand spectacle pass by?

As expected, today's events did not disappoint him. The two brothers fought bravely against the crowd and were ultimately able to emerge victorious. It was a truly spectacular show.

The name "troublemaker" is indeed well-deserved; he can stir up the situation as soon as he arrives.

After hearing his father's explanation, Li Shen's face darkened. Was he being used as a guiding light? That wherever he went, the light would shine?

From the implied meaning in his father's words, it was clear that his father's trip to court was not for the sake of the crown prince, nor for the so-called factional struggles.

It's like going to check if you've caused any trouble.

Thinking of this, Li Shen was furious. Did they really not consider him a human being? How could they belittle him like this?

Anger welled up in his heart, and evil thoughts took hold. Li Shen suddenly felt an urge to break free from his family of origin.

"Your Majesty, the reason why the Duke of Zhao was able to turn against us today is entirely due to my tenth brother's foresight. Otherwise, things would not have been so simple today."

Seeing Li Shen's expression, Li Chengqian quickly got up to report.

"What? Has the tenth prince found a weakness in the Duke of Zhao's hands?" Li Shimin immediately realized this.

"Yes, Father, but it's not Zhao Guogong's fault, but Yang Hongli's. My tenth brother plundered the people's property after discovering that the army had entered Yanqi."

Yang Hongli was one of the participants. Li Chengqian nodded.

He didn't need to say anything more; his father would understand. It was nothing more than an exchange of benefits.

"Hmm, I see. I knew it wouldn't be easy to persuade the Duke of Zhao. That old fox sees things much more clearly than others."

Li Shimin then realized that it was pretty much as he had guessed. If he hadn't found any leverage over Changsun Wuji, that old scoundrel, he wouldn't have compromised.

Changsun Wuji was no ordinary person. He was meticulous, shrewd, and a capable assistant to Li Shimin. He was also involved in the planning of the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

Li Shimin knew Changsun Wuji very well, and was well aware of the old fox's cunning; it was impossible to persuade him simply.

They either bribe or coerce.

Changsun Wuji dared not disobey him, but he still lacked some respect for Li Chengqian.

His biggest fear was that after his death, Changsun Wuji would seize power to expand the Changsun family.

It seems that as long as Li Shen is around, the two of them working together can still put up a fight against Changsun Wuji.

“Father, Changsun Wuji is clearly the leader of the Guanlong aristocracy. Why don’t you find an opportunity to eliminate him?”

Today in the court, I saw it very clearly: the powerful clans such as the Dugu, Yuwen, Longxi Li, and Xue are all acting according to Changsun Wuji's wishes.

If he gains power in the future, the consequences could be severe.

Li Shen, standing to the side, thought for a moment and decided it would be best to sow discord between Changsun Wuji and Bi Deng. Li Shen had always suspected that the events in Xizhou were related to this old Bi Deng, but he lacked evidence.

With the wisdom of that coward Li Zhi, how could he possibly have orchestrated such a grand scheme, planning for years only to almost let himself be caught off guard and fail?

Li Shen still remembers this grudge.

After hearing Li Shen's words, Li Shimin raised his eyelids and glanced at Li Shen.

"Tenth Prince, I know you are not on good terms with the Duke of Zhao, but the court needs him, and your elder brother also needs his assistance."

With him around, the powerful nobles of Guanzhong and the aristocratic families could be suppressed and kept in check.

Stop trying to take advantage of him. He won't target you anymore. You burned down so many of his workshops in Xizhou and stole all his cotton.

You've avenged yourself.

Li Shimin knew exactly what Li Shen was thinking. His son was a ruthless character; seemingly absurd and nonsensical, he was extremely vicious.

As far as Li Shimin knew, no fewer than ten thousand people had died at the hands of Li Shen.

This boy is vengeful and never shows mercy to his enemies; he will always repay them tenfold.

It was only because Li Shen had reservations and the suppression from his father that he was able to kill these officials from aristocratic families and Changsun Wuji long ago.

Even Li Tai and Li Zhi were not spared, and it was fortunate that this guy wasn't the crown prince.

He acted eccentrically, recklessly, and without restraint. No official, noble, or aristocratic family in Chang'an did not hate him.

But only Li Shimin knew that his son was very cunning in his actions, and that every step he took was purposeful.

Just now, Li Shen seemed to be thinking of the court, but in fact he was taking revenge on Changsun Wuji. If I really did as he wished, then Changsun Wuji would not be far from death.

Li Shen didn't care that his father had seen through his little scheme. He knew it was impossible for him to bring down Changsun Wuji with just a few words.

People have different perspectives on things depending on their angle. From the emperor's point of view, Changsun Wuji was indeed very useful.

After all, Changsun Wuji was a maternal relative and an uncle, which was of great help to Li Chengqian, and he was also extremely loyal.

In terms of trustworthiness, he surpasses even the Li clan members, and perhaps even he himself cannot compare.

It seems to have always been this way.

“But Father, what if the Duke of Zhao plots against me in secret? I am weak and alone, how can I be his match?”

Behind him is the entire Guanlong nobility.

At that point, I can only beg my elder brother to show mercy and spare my entire family, even if it means exile to the frontier.

Li Shen knew it was hopeless, but he still pretended to be pitiful, determined to plant a seed no matter what.

"Tenth brother, don't say that. How could I possibly lay a hand on you? With me here, I will never let anything happen to you."

Seeing Li Shen's frightened expression, Li Chengqian quickly offered words of comfort, for Li Shen was of great importance to him.

In his heart, as long as Li Shen did not rebel, he would protect him no matter how big the matter was.

"Thank you for your kindness, elder brother. I will never forget it." Li Shen grasped Li Chengqian's hand, his sincerity evident.

Seeing Li Shen in such a pitiful state, Li Chengqian felt a pang of pity.

"Don't worry, tenth brother, I will stand by your side."

Li Chengqian also held Li Shen's hand, and at this moment, they were deeply in love, whispering to each other as brothers.

(Oh dear, it's late again, it's late.)