Datang: Rebirth of Li Chengqian, the beginning of the treason interrogation

Chapter 13 Undercurrent surging
"Your Majesty, in order to avoid criticism, I have no choice but to take my leave. I can no longer serve Your Majesty day and night. I hope you will take good care of yourself."

King Li Tai of Wei also bowed and asked to resign, his tone showing reluctance to leave.

"Go back!" Li Shimin waved his hand, exhausted.

The battle for the throne is still going on, and this time it is Crown Prince Li Chengqian who has made the move.

What about next time?
When he thought of this, Li Shimin felt a headache and he could only choose one of the two.

It was originally thought that the appearance of the treason case would serve as a warning to all the princes, but now it is Crown Prince Li Chengqian who takes the lead.

"Seize the throne and protect yourself." Li Shimin walked into the hall with a hunched body. He knew very well in his mind that he could not be indecisive any longer and had to make a decision.

However, in addition to being an emperor, he is also an elderly father.

However, what can he do about the open and covert fighting among his sons?

He walked slowly into the hall and sat weakly on the throne. His exhausted face looked old and helpless.

Looking at the empty palace, he felt an endless loneliness and helplessness in his heart.

As an emperor, he shoulders the responsibility for the people of the world; but at the same time, he is also a father who hopes to see his children live in harmony.

However, the reality was so cruel that he fell into a dilemma: either depose the crown prince or depose the King of Wei.

He closed his eyes, trying to forget his troubles, but his thoughts became more and more confused.

……

"Haven't those students from the Imperial Academy always been criticizing Crown Prince Li Chengqian's behavior? Why are they joining forces to make a death appeal now?"

In the Prince of Wei's mansion, Prince of Wei Li Tai was furious. Today's attack caught him off guard.

There were several people standing in the hall, namely the son-in-law of the emperor Chai Lingwu, the Imperial Court Assistant Minister Wei Ting, the Minister of Works Du Chuke and Fang Xuanling's second son Fang Yiai.

Of course, the King of Wei has many more supporters than just these people. Without the support of a powerful group, how could he dare to seize the throne?

"I heard that it was caused by a poem written by Crown Prince Li Chengqian." said the Royal Highness Chai Lingwu.

"Moreover, this poem has been widely circulated and is now known to every household in Chang'an."

"Worry about the world before you worry about yourself, and be happy about the world after you are happy about yourself?" Li Tai, the King of Wei, blurted out. He was a man of great literary talent, with a photographic memory and a good hearing. When Zhang Jianzhi recited this, he was also deeply shocked.

"The King of Wei also knows about this?"

Several people's faces turned ugly. This poem spread too quickly. You know, the King of Wei had just returned from the palace.

"How could this be written by Li Chengqian? It's impossible, it must be plagiarism."

The King of Wei was devastated. He was famous for his literature, but none of his poems had such great feelings and structure.

"King Wei, this is not a matter of plagiarism. Crown Prince Li Chengqian has become famous because of this poem, and because of the concern for the country and the people in the poem, he is supported by countless people. This is extremely bad news for us."

Fang Yiai said with a gloomy face, "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. Li Chengqian is now very popular among the people. This is extremely bad for the King of Wei who needs to counterattack."

"No, this is very relevant. I will make him fall down from the same place where he stood up."

King Wei Li Tai laughed.

"Does the King of Wei have any clever ideas?"

Several people looked at Li Tai. Is there any way to reverse the situation?
"Isn't he able to write poetry? What will happen if he can't?" Li Tai said. "Let the Literature Institute write an article and ask Li Chengqian to write poetry in public. If he can't, then you all know what will happen if the reputation of a plagiarist spreads?"

Li Tai had clear ideas and found a way to deal with the problem immediately.

"Yes, let's invite him as a student. Then we don't have to worry about the prince refusing. Besides, he is now famous for his poetry. If all the students invite him, I'm afraid he won't be able to refuse."

Du Chuke said that this was a method of flattery and killing, and the prince had to agree to it.

The storm was surging in the dark, hidden beneath the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

"Snapped!"

In the residence of Duke Lu, Cheng Chumo was kneeling on the bluestone slab. Cheng Zhijie whipped his back with a horsewhip, leaving a bloody mess. All the servants lowered their heads and dared not look over.

"I, Cheng Zhijie, have been smart all my life, how could I have made a mistake in giving birth to a rebellious son like you?"

Perhaps because he was tired, Cheng Zhijie stopped whipping the horse.

"You are jealous because I can be sworn brothers with the prince, while you can only be sworn brothers with the outlaws."

Cheng Chumo really inherited his father's temper. He is fearless and even dares to confront his father.

"Am I jealous of you?" Cheng Zhijie was so angry that his whole body was shaking and he raised the whip high again.

"I am jealous that you wiped out the entire Cheng family, right?"

How could he easily get involved in the struggle for the royal family? He had to do it back then, but now there was no need at all. No matter who became the emperor, his Duke's Mansion would remain standing, provided he did not get involved in the struggle for the throne.

The prince succeeded, what else can the Duke of Lu's Mansion give him? Now it has basically reached the point where there is nothing left to reward. The position of Duke is hereditary, what else do you want?

But if they fail, the nine clans might just be eliminated. In Cheng Zhijie's opinion, his prodigal son is just a bunch of people with nothing to do.

"That's why you are wrong, father. Ever since I entered the Eastern Palace, our Duke's Mansion can no longer stay out of it. We are destined to be tied to the Crown Prince." Cheng Chumo said stubbornly.

"You know shit." Cheng Zhijie cursed.

"You have only now tied Duke Lu's mansion to the Eastern Palace. Do you know that His Majesty intends to depose the Crown Prince, but just can't find a reason?"

"Your Highness the Crown Prince has not committed any major fault. It was those ministers who slandered the Crown Prince in front of Your Majesty, and the King of Wei kept pressing him. What is the Crown Prince's fault?" Cheng Chumo said unconvinced.

"You are still too naive. If His Majesty says someone is at fault, then whoever is at fault is at fault. Do you really think you can turn the tables?"

Cheng Zhijie was also helpless as the matter was already a foregone conclusion. Those ministers of remonstration might have already reported the matter of Cheng Chumo and the others' sworn brotherhood to Li Shimin.

What made him even more angry was that this kid was so ignorant that he actually beat up Zhang Xuansu, a senior official. He didn't even dare to be so arrogant.

How to deal with this matter?

This prince is not a good guy either. He dragged several major dukedoms into the water and let his son be used as a gun, but he is still grateful.

This naked conspiracy was telling them, and also telling Li Shimin, to secure his position as crown prince so that everyone could live in peace.

"That's fine. Last time, I failed to be a loyal minister. My son is so great."

Compared with the bloody education given by Duke Lu, Duke Wei Li Jing nodded to Li Dejian to show his approval.

Li Dejian had always been close to Li Chengqian, which was also Li Jing's intention. Although he retired and did not care about court affairs, he was still very concerned about his descendants.

(End of this chapter)