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

Chapter 3 The Crown Prince Cannot Be Deposed

"For self-protection?"

Li Shimin's lips trembled slightly, and his eyes showed a sense of guilt. Was it really because of his suspicion that he wronged Cheng Qian?
He couldn't help but think of what Li Chengqian said. The throne should have belonged to him, so why should he rebel?
Moreover, more than ten years had passed, why did he wait until now to rebel? And as the loyal followers of the crown prince, why did they denounce their master?

Now that I think about it, everything here is full of weirdness.

Li Shimin had experienced countless open and secret struggles and was very familiar with the conspiracies and intrigues in the palace.

At this moment, he was certain that Li Chengqian was framed.

"I'm tired, you all should leave."

Li Shimin waved his hand tiredly, his voice low and weak. His eyes flickered, as if he was avoiding something, and he didn't dare to look directly into Li Chengqian's eyes.

"Your Majesty, please take care of yourself!"

Li Chengqian bowed respectfully, then slowly turned and left. Although he had successfully survived this disaster, he knew that this did not mean that he could rest easy.

He understood that he had to give Li Shimin a way out, otherwise the relationship between the two would further deteriorate, which would be of no benefit to him.

Li Shimin closed his eyes, but his hands were still moving constantly, and it was unknown whether he heard it or not.

Li Chengqian stepped out of Taiji Palace lightly, his steps seemed a little heavy.

When he reached the palace gate, he noticed that there were many fully armed soldiers standing in neat rows, with a guard every ten steps and a sentry every five steps.

These soldiers held long spears and had long swords on their waists. They had serious expressions and were always vigilant.

There were also teams of heavily armored royal guards patrolling, and their presence filled the entire palace with a tense atmosphere.

"His Royal Highness!"

At this moment, two old men in official robes came towards Li Chengqian and saluted him respectfully. One of them was Zhangsun Wuji and the other was Fang Xuanling.

Since Emperor Taizong of Tang ascended the throne, these two ministers have been favored by the emperor and are often summoned to the palace to discuss state affairs.

Or when Li Shimin encountered difficult decisions, he would ask these two people for their opinions.

When Li Chengqian met the two ministers, he immediately became gentle and polite.

"Two Dukes!"

These two people can be considered political enemies at present. Both are supporters of Li Tai and Li Zhi, but they cannot become enemies, otherwise they will turn to his two younger brothers.

The reason why they supported Li Tai and Li Zhi was also because of Li Shimin's attitude. At this time, he would never show any strength, otherwise he would force them to the opposite side.

These two people can influence the determination of the heir to the throne.

"Your Highness, you must not do this."

The two men stepped forward quickly and helped Li Chengqian up. As people from the royal family, no matter how favored they were, they did not dare to accept such a great gift.

"The prince?" Li Chengqian looked depressed, with a slight bitter smile on his face.

Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling were suddenly extremely embarrassed. After all, this matter was caused by them.

"Perhaps it won't be the case later. Being deposed is a minor matter, but it will sow the seeds of disaster and cause the royal family members to fight against each other for the throne. Then I will be guilty of a great sin."

After Li Chengqian finished speaking, he turned around and walked away, relying on his memory, heading towards the East Palace, leaving the two of them in disarray in the wind.

However, Li Chengqian was followed by a team of imperial guards, ostensibly for protection but actually for imprisonment.

Looking at Li Chengqian's receding back, Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling broke out in cold sweat.

They heard clearly the conversation between Li Shimin and the prince. If the prince was wronged, then the two of them were accomplices.

"You two dukes, His Majesty summons you!"

Just when the two were in a daze, they suddenly heard an old and low voice. It turned out that an old eunuch came out, lowered his head, and shouted in a low voice. When the two heard this, they immediately came to their senses, hurriedly tidied their clothes, and then ran into the palace. They looked up and saw Li Shimin sitting on the ground with a pale face and a tired face. They were shocked and hurriedly ran over.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong with you?"

Together, the two of them helped Li Shimin to sit on the dragon throne. Then, they hurriedly stepped back a few steps, prostrated themselves on the ground, and kowtowed respectfully.

"I am guilty!"

Li Shimin shook his head, trying to make himself more sober, and then slowly said: "Did you all hear it?"

"I heard it!" they both answered in unison.

"You also think that Cheng Qian was wronged?"

Li Shimin was unsure of the truth, and as he grew older, his suspicions grew.

"This..." Zhangsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling looked at each other, not knowing how to answer. After all, all the evidence about Li Chengqian's rebellion was provided by them.

"Hey, get up!" said Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty, now it is no longer a question of whether the Crown Prince is planning a rebellion or not, but how to deal with this matter."

Changsun Wuji spoke first. His identity was extremely precious and could influence Li Shimin's decision.

"Yes, this is no longer just a matter of treason."

Now no one dared to be sure whether Li Chengqian was actually plotting a rebellion. After all, they had done some dirty tricks before.

Could it be that other princes really wanted to fight for the throne and deliberately framed Li Chengqian?
If Li Chengqian was deposed, then they would have a chance to ascend the throne.

But now Li Chengqian's case of treason has become a hot topic. If no one comes forward to take responsibility for the crime, this matter will not be resolved.

"The prince suffers from a foot disease!" Li Shimin widened his eyes and stared at Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling.

Since ancient times, the emperor's body must be intact, which is one of the main reasons why Li Shimin always favored Wei Wang Li Tai. Because in some people's minds, Li Chengqian was no longer suitable to be the emperor.

Everyone knew that Li Shimin wanted to appoint another crown prince.

Therefore, before, when Li Chengqian cursed angrily, it was not only to exonerate himself, but also to tell the three people clearly that his position as the crown prince cannot be abolished, otherwise it will shake the foundation of the country.

"Oh, my majesty, why are you still struggling with this issue?" Changsun Wuji said sadly.

"If the crown prince succeeds to the throne, at most he will be criticized by the historians for a while, but if another prince is appointed, it will bring long-term harm to the country and shake the foundation of the country."

Li Shimin had already come to power illegitimately, and now there was the conflict between Li Tai and Li Chengqian.

If Li Tai were allowed to succeed to the throne, then as Li Chengqian had just said, it would set an example for future generations of royal family members to fight against each other.

"Yes, yes, Cheng Qian cannot be deposed, cannot be deposed!" Li Shimin also figured out the key at once.

"Then how to deal with it?" Li Shimin asked. Now the case of treason has become a hot topic and the whole city is in turmoil. A big shot must come forward to take the blame.

Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling were so smart that they did not say anything. They could only make suggestions, but they really did not dare to speak on such a big matter.

Moreover, it was they who investigated the prince's treason case. Who knows, they might be asked to take the blame.

Li Shimin: "Who are you talking about?"

It is definitely impossible that Li Tai was deeply favored by Li Shimin, and there is no evidence to prove it.

"The King of Han and the Duke of Chen were found guilty of treason and framed the Crown Prince. All nine clans should be executed."

Changsun Wuji said stiffly that things had come to this point and the three of them knew who would take the blame.

But Li Er couldn't speak. He had to let the people who were investigating speak.

(End of this chapter)