Traveling through Du He, Li Chengqian's rebellion begins

Changsun Wuji, who was always humble, was startled when he heard what Li Shimin said.

What do you mean, Your Majesty?

Does Your Majesty know what he did behind your back?

He quickly stood up from the cushion, walked to the main hall, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I am stupid and don't understand how I have offended your Majesty."

"I hope Your Majesty can point out my shortcomings. I know how to improve myself."

Although he did not raise his head, he could still feel Li Shimin's sharp eyes staring at him.

No wonder his right eyelid had been twitching just now. It turned out that there was such a crisis waiting for him.

There was silence for a long time.

Li Shimin coldly questioned, "Changsun Wuji, the newly emerged aristocratic families that embezzled birth subsidies, and the princes who took away a large number of Western Turkic women, do you dare to say that you didn't have any involvement behind this?"

"Besides, someone anonymously reported these princes and aristocratic families to the Dali Temple. It was you who sent someone to do it, right?"

Every time Changsun Wuji heard a word Li Shimin said, his brows twitched violently.

The secret is leaked?

This is impossible!

The people who took action were his trusted and loyal men whom he had cultivated for many years. He also kept their families in the same place for their support. There was no reason for these people to betray him!

But why would His Majesty suspect him? Is it just to blackmail him?

A few breaths of silence.

Zhang Sun Wuji kowtowed twice and said, "Your Majesty, I am innocent!"

"Whether these princes and noble families embezzled birth subsidies or secretly took away beauties from the Western Turks, I have no interest in intersecting with them!"

"Why should I make myself uncomfortable?"

Changsun Wuji was very sure that the emperor could not possibly know what he had done.

On the imperial platform.

Li Shimin shook his head in disappointment. "Zhangsun Wuji, you are the strongest supporter of my ascension to the throne, and you are also Guanyinbi's biological brother. I don't even want to punish you."

"But why do you do things that endanger the country again and again?"

If he had no evidence, would he directly question Zhangsun Wuji, a meritorious official?

Li Shimin pinched his brows and said, "There are two paths before you now. One is to continue serving as the Minister of Personnel, and the other is to go to a local prefecture and become a Grand Commander!"

"Pick one!"

this...

Changsun Wuji's expression suddenly froze.

Your Majesty clearly does not have any solid evidence, so why are you so sure that he was the one who did it?

Is there something wrong with the troops he raised?

The more Changsun Wuji thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong. His face, which had been trying to be calm, turned a little pale.

Thinking of the two paths His Majesty gave him to choose from, Changsun Wuji began to analyze them in his mind.

The first path was to continue serving as the Minister of Personnel. It seemed that there was no change at all, but this path made him feel creepy.

The second way is to go to other places and serve as the Grand Commander. Although the rank of the official position is promoted, the power is greatly weakened. This is a path of promotion in name only and demotion in reality!

How to choose?

If he goes out as the Grand Commander, wouldn't it mean that he is controlling all these things behind the scenes?

no!

Never choose this path!

Now that the arrow has been shot, there is no turning back. We can only go all the way!

Zhang Sun Wuji looked at Li Shimin, who looked sick, and kowtowed again, saying, "Your Majesty, I am loyal to you and the court, and will never do anything that harms the country!"

"If you want to assign me to a local position as a Grand Commander, I will have no complaints!"

His words seemed to let Li Shimin make the decision, but he had actually already made a choice in his heart.

Never leave Chang'an!

Once he leaves Chang'an, the prince will take revenge on him after he ascends the throne.

Instead of hiding now, it’s better to give it a try.

What if I win?

"Hey!"

Li Shimin sighed deeply in his heart, waved his hand and said, "In that case, you can go back and rest."

"I will take my leave first!"

After Changsun Wuji stood up and bowed, he left Ganlu Palace with a complicated expression.

Suddenly, Li Shimin was the only one left in the empty hall.

Sit for a long time.

Li Shimin murmured helplessly, "Fuji, I have reminded you more than once, why do you just refuse to change your ways?"

"Cheng Qian is also your nephew, why do you insist on being Chi Nu?"

"Do you really want to control the government?"

He originally wanted to punish Changsun Wuji personally, but when he thought of Changsun Wuji's various contributions, he finally couldn't do it.

Since Changsun Wuji is seeking his own death, let Du He deal with him!

...

Night falls.

Duke Zhao's Mansion, in the lobby.

Changsun Wuji instructed his trusted attendant, Changsun Xun, "Changsun Xun, go back immediately and check those tenant farmers and their followers to see if there are any of His Majesty's men!"

"Remember, don't make too much noise!"

When he returned from Ganlu Palace, he felt more and more that something was wrong.

From the tone of his Majesty's words to him, it seemed as if all his plans were under his control.

Perhaps His Majesty sent someone to lurk by his side many years ago.

If he doesn't find out the truth, he will have nightmares at night.

Chang Sunxun bowed respectfully and said, "As you wish!"

After explaining everything.

Changsun Wuji had Changsun Chong called in again and warned him, "Chong'er, from today on, you are not allowed to participate in any of my plans."

"When you have nothing to do, spend more time with Princess Changle."

What do you mean, Dad?

Could it be that their plan has been exposed?

Chang Sun Chong asked worriedly, "Dad, what happened?"

Zhang Sun Wuji said in a deep voice, "His Majesty has been watching my every move. If you sever ties with me in advance, even if I fail in my actions later, His Majesty will not kill you, the consort, in order to leave a legacy for me!"

what!

Has it come to this?

Chang Sun Chong gritted his teeth and asked, "Dad, since His Majesty has already set his sights on you, can't we turn back?"

"You are the Crown Prince's uncle, and we will still be valued!"

Hearing Changsun Chong's true words, Changsun Wuji smiled bitterly helplessly.

They had offended the prince many times before, and had a blood feud with Du He. How could they turn back now?

It's too late!

Changsun Wuji patted Changsun Chong on the shoulder and said, "Chong'er, don't ask so many questions. Just listen to your father!"

Chang Sun Chong said solemnly, "I will obey my father's orders!"

His father is an extremely intelligent man and can figure out His Majesty's thoughts. Since his father's words are so serious, he has to obey and do as he is told.

...

The next day.

A meeting of hundreds of officials.

As soon as the court meeting began, the eyes of civil and military officials fell on Zhangsun Wuji, Du He, Sun Fujia and others.

Obviously, they had received the news last night that these ministers and important officials were summoned to Ganlu Palace for a meeting.

After the heads of the three provinces and six ministries finished reporting on government affairs, Sun Fujia stood up and said.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, 35 princes and 360 aristocratic families have embezzled a large amount of childbirth subsidies."

"Those 35 vassal kings reached out to the Western Turkic captives and secretly took away a large number of beautiful women!"

"Your Highness, please make the decision!"