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

Chapter 20: Forcing the Emperor to Abdicate with Literature?

"We have all heard about the case of Duke Chen and King Han's rebellion. Although the matter has been settled, it is suspected to involve the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. Your Majesty, do you think this will shake the foundation of the country?"

Cheng Zhijie said solemnly, his voice full of worry.

Li Shimin's heart tightened, and he replied gloomily, "I have already found out that this matter has nothing to do with the Crown Prince."

"Your Majesty, everyone knows exactly what's going on."

Cheng Zhijie raised his hands high and shouted excitedly.

Zhang Xuansu, Kong Yingda and Yu Zhining looked at each other in confusion. What do we know?

Cheng Zhijie stared at Li Shimin with a sharp gaze and shouted:

"The King of Han and Hou Junji are just scapegoats. The Eastern Palace is definitely involved in this rebellion! And it's not just the Eastern Palace. Your Majesty, do you want to let the fight for the throne happen again? Your Majesty, do you want all the heroes who followed you to build the country to be charged with treason? Do you want them to suffer the disaster of having their property confiscated and their clans exterminated?"

Cheng Zhijie's words, like the sound of a loud bell, echoed deeply in Li Shimin's mind, making him feel extremely painful and uncomfortable.

What he least wanted to learn was the defeat of the enemy countries and the death of his counselors like Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang. What he wanted was to share the glory and pass it down forever.

However, as time went on, some people made mistakes and were demoted or killed.

Some have become victims of political struggles.

Li Chengqian also secretly gave him a thumbs up. Duke Lu was even more stubborn than him and directly accused Li Shimin of wrongdoings.

"Your Majesty, Lao Cheng has risked everything today. These words should not be said, but if Lao Cheng doesn't say them today, he may never have the chance to say them again."

Cheng Zhijie bowed his head and apologized, then stepped back. The matter came to an abrupt end at this point.

"Your Majesty, what Duke Lu said was a bit extreme, but it is not entirely unreasonable."

Before Li Shimin could come to his senses, Duke of Weiguo Li Jing stepped forward.

Li Chengqian exclaimed, "Wow!" This is going to be a round-robin battle. Several generals will take turns to fight and kill General Tian Ce.

This must have been done by his sworn brothers. These godfathers were also awesome, as they directly made a big fuss about Li Er.

The father of one's adopted brother is referred to as adopted father for short.

"Under your majesty's civil and military achievements, you put down the turmoil at the end of the Sui Dynasty, ended the chaotic times, unified the country, and created the Zhenguan Reign, which was praised by all the people."

Li Jing's words made Li Shimin feel like spring breeze. He felt much more comfortable and even a little proud. A happy smile appeared on his face and he felt extremely cheerful.

He seemed to see himself standing in the court, accepting the worship of all the people. A feeling of heroism surged in his heart, and he completely forgot his previous depression.

However, at this moment, Li Jing changed the subject: "But if Your Majesty hesitates to make a decision, it will inevitably cause unrest in the country, the kings will rise up, the flames of war will spread all over China, the prosperous times will be gone, the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty will happen again, and the emperor of all ages will become a tyrant."

This sudden turn of events was like a bucket of cold water poured on Li Shimin's head, making him almost want to vomit blood. He was just immersed in self-intoxication, but was instantly thrown into the abyss. He stared at Li Jing with wide eyes, looking at him in disbelief, his heart filled with anger and helplessness.

This was like lifting him up high and then throwing him down hard! He was just feeling proud of his achievements, but now he was accused of becoming a tyrant. This gap was hard for him to accept. He gritted his teeth, suppressed his anger, and stared at Li Jing, as if he wanted to find out what was going on with him. What was he trying to do?

"I hope Your Majesty will think twice!" Li Shimin's eyes widened. He was thinking twice now. The first thought was to confiscate the property and exterminate the clan. The second thought was to exterminate the three clans. The third thought was to exterminate the nine clans?
A bunch of old guys, taking advantage of their seniority, scold people in a way that is more unpleasant to listen to than the civil servants.

"Your Majesty, if you are so indecisive, it will definitely lead to internal strife. Hasn't it been proven now? This is not only a family matter, but also a national matter. When the time comes, it will definitely affect the lives of many people."

Li Ji took another step forward, making Li Shimin completely stunned.

"Wait!" Li Shimin raised his hands and stopped Gao Shilian who was about to speak.

This is not a scene of confession of guilt, it is clearly a scene of questioning.

"What on earth do you want to do?"

Li Shimin's face twitched, and he looked at his Lingyan Pavilion heroes helplessly. He really didn't understand what had happened that could make them unite and submit a remonstrance.

"Your Majesty, please depose Prince Li Tai of Wei and resolve the dispute over the throne."

The four of them clasped their fists in unison, their tone firm and resolute.

Li Shimin's eyes widened, his face full of astonishment and a hint of anger: "What? You actually want me to depose the King of Wei? What crime has the King of Wei committed that you actually want me to depose him?"

Gao Shilian bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you have always favored the King of Wei, but he has ulterior motives and wants to seize the throne of the Crown Prince. He is not a good person. If we continue to allow him to fight for the throne of the Crown Prince, it will surely lead to civil strife in the court and endanger the country."

Li Jing also echoed: "Yes, Your Majesty, the situation is tense now. If we don't deal with it decisively, the consequences will be disastrous."

Li Ji also advised: "Your Majesty, we are all thinking about the Tang Dynasty. Please consider it carefully."

Li Shimin frowned and looked at Li Chengqian with sharp eyes.

What is this nonsense about sworn brotherhood? It was just a big chess game, using himself as bait to lure Li Ji, Li Jing and Cheng Zhijie into the water and tie them together with Li Chengqian.

The words of these dukes today are actually Li Chengqian's words. They have already joined the game and can no longer stay out of it.

The prince's calculations were so profound that even Li Shimin couldn't help but gasp. Now the prince has gained the power to influence the court silently.

With such a prince, what can the King of Wei and his men use to fight against him? Perhaps deposing the King of Wei's privileges would be the best thing for him.

After some consideration, Li Shimin said quietly, "The standards set by Wei Wang Li Tai violate the etiquette. You must complete the job assignment within three months, and then leave the capital to take up your post in your fiefdom."

He appeared like a bolt from the blue, stayed behind the scenes, and yet was able to stir up the court. This made Li Shimin look at his successor with new eyes.

Perhaps, we didn’t pay enough attention to the prince in the past, otherwise such a misunderstanding would not have occurred.

In order to avoid the escalating struggle for the throne, he also tried to calm the voices of the ministers.

Li Shimin had no choice but to do so. It was not as difficult a decision as he had imagined. At this moment, he became relaxed and no longer worried about the affairs of Li Chengqian and Li Tai.

"Your Majesty is wise!" the four men bowed. In fact, they were also extremely bitter in their hearts. Forcing the king to make a decision was a big taboo.

To put it bluntly, it is forcing the emperor to abdicate.

(End of this chapter)