Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

176 Li Er: The father is kind, the son is filial, the brothers are friendly, and the harem is harmonious. I am very pleased.

Niu Huluming is a good man who is diligent and frugal.

Since we are going to open the map in the palace.

Then while we are eliminating the traitors, we can also solve future hidden dangers at the same time.

The traitor Aunt Wang and the talented Wu Meiniang.

Killing two at a time can spread the cost and greatly improve efficiency.

Even if it was Aunt Wang, her death should be used to its maximum value.

That’s the value of intimidation.

Since the living Wang can't help him catch the hands behind all this conspiracy.

Then let her die strangely but reasonably in public to scare the other party.

Let the man behind the scenes know that Li Ming has enough ability to fight back, so don't try to attack him blindly.

"Auntie Wang, Auntie Wu..."

Early in the morning, Li Ming drank meat soup while going over the steps of the plan in his mind again and again, muttering the names of the two dead futures traders.

"Xiao Ming, Xiao Ming, are you missing your family?" Sister Li Mingda stroked his hair lovingly.

Li Ming turned his head and looked at her strangely.

Li Mingda blinked his bright eyes:
"You must miss those two aunts very much, because you call for them in your dreams."

Li Ming smiled:

"Probably so."

Li Mingda turned to the seat of honor angrily and glared at her grandfather fiercely.

Li Shimin innocently chewed rice mixed with millet:
"I didn't force him to be separated from his family. Didn't I allow him to come and go to Lide Hall as he pleased?"

Li Ming's access rights are at the same level as the emperor. There is no third person in the world who can enter and exit the harem at will.

Why is this guy still instigating Li Mingda? Is he trying to go to heaven?

"Grandpa~"

Li Ming used his traditional skills, pouted his greasy lips, and stuck on like a dog-skin plaster:
"I feel sorry for the concubines in Lide Palace who have to work so hard to manage household affairs and have no help.

"Recruit some palace servants."

Li Shimin frowned, swallowed the dry sunflower with difficulty, glanced at the brat who was eating with greasy mouth with resentment, and shook his head slightly:
"I've already told your mother that it's not right for a dignified Consort De to take care of household chores by herself.

"But you know your mother's temper, she is gentle but strong. She just doesn't want it, there is nothing I can do."

Li Shimin was also a little angry about this matter.

Fortunately, the harem is quiet and different from the outside world.

Otherwise, if the barbarians knew about this, they would think that our Tang Dynasty can no longer afford to employ people.

"That's because the palace maids are gossipy, so my mother is worried about using it." Li Ming said casually without any obstacles:
“This problem can be solved by recruiting people.”

Li Shimin drank some goat milk to soothe his throat which was choked by the coarse grains. He thought for a moment and nodded:
"In order to save money, thousands of palace servants were dismissed in the early years of the Zhenguan reign, and not many people were recruited in the past ten years. The Ministry of Internal Affairs was indeed short of staff.

"We need to add a few more eunuchs and temple servants."

"I want the palace maid." Li Ming pulled Li Shimin's trouser leg and acted like a spoiled child.

If newcomers had to be stabbed, the cost would be too high.

For his plan.

"Okay, okay, okay. All up to you. It's no big deal." Li Shimin smiled helplessly.

"Grandpa is the best." Li Ming pouted his greasy lips and moved closer to Li Er's face.

Li Zhi sat at the corner of the table, watching the family of three playing and fighting happily, and mechanically scooped porridge into his mouth one spoonful at a time.

I shouldn't be at the table, I should be at the bottom of the table.

It was obviously me who came first...

"I'm done eating, I'm going to work~"

The first step had been achieved, so Li Ming jumped off the chair and slipped out of the palace to discuss the next plan with Di Renjie, Lai Junchen and others.

Li Shimin grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him back:
"Just stay in the palace quietly for now."

"What happened in the palace?" Li Ming, who had been assassinated, immediately became alert.

At present, Li Shimin no longer interfered with his actions. On the premise of ensuring safety, Li Ming was allowed to roam around the world and grow wildly.

Because Li Shimin completely gave up on this guy's enlightenment education.

It is somewhat abstract to ask a seasoned politician who committed a massacre in Liaodong to return to the classroom to read the Four Books and Five Classics.

What's more, the primary school and the royal tutor are nothing but Li Ming's harem reserve team.

If we continue to strictly enforce this fellow's education, the other legitimate sons will start to protest sharply.

Therefore, Li Ming was not allowed to leave the Lizheng Palace today. Obviously, something important happened in the palace...

Thinking of this, Li Ming put away his playful smile and his expression became serious.

"Your elder brother is here to visit you." Li Shimin said.

"Well, it is true...what?" Li Ming was stunned.

"Your brother, Li Chengqian, is here to visit you." Looking at his youngest son's confused expression, Li Shimin had to break up his words and say:

"Didn't you just encounter an assassination attempt?"

"Ah? Oh oh." It turned out to be a false alarm. Li Ming couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Damn it, the persecution delusion that had been improving has come back again.

It’s all the fault of that traitor, it’s all the fault of that mastermind behind all this!

Just wait and see how I deal with you...

"Your royal brother is concerned about your safety, why are you still grinning?"

Li Shimin gave the ferocious Li Ming a slap in the face, having no idea what his youngest son was thinking.

He scolded, but his expression was relaxed and he was obviously in a good mood.

This was the first time that Li Chengqian had formally come to Lizheng Hall to pay his respects and greet his father and son since the Liaodong incident led to the estrangement between them.

The timing of my visit was perfect, as I came to visit and comfort my frightened brother.

This move made Li Shimin very pleased.

Although he no longer regarded Li Chengqian as the only one for the future of the empire as he did before.

But Li Chengqian was, after all, his and Empress Changsun's eldest son, and the eldest among all his sons.

Let’s put aside rational factors such as ability and character.

In terms of emotion alone, Li Chengqian is still Li Shimin's most valued son.

As a father, he must be happy that his eldest son has made progress.

During this period, Li Shimin was in a good mood.

Because the investigation into the assassination case led by Fang Xuanling was slow, it still yielded some results.

The biggest gain was finding out the forces to which the two Hu assassins belonged.

Although they disfigured their faces before committing suicide, they did not have time to cut off their hair.

As we all know, the Turks can use their hairstyle to distinguish the tribes they belong to.

Based on the investigation of the remaining Turks in the city, it can be basically confirmed that the two assassins came from the tribe led by Ashina Jieshe.

In this way, the nature of the assassination may change.

Perhaps there was no deep conspiracy, and the two assassins might not have been instructed by anyone.

It was just a lone wolf action to avenge the chief.

If this conclusion is accepted, then the suspicion of the other three legitimate princes who competed with Li Ming can be cleared.

Everyone is still competing in a healthy manner, everyone is still abiding by the established rules for competing for the throne, and everyone is still a good son of the Li family!

What Li Shimin didn't know was that Fang Xuanling had actually concealed some information in order to delay the progress of the case.

The specific identities of the two assassins remain unclear, and the relationship behind them is complicated.

The more details of the case are learned, the more confusing the forces involved become, and no one can clear themselves of suspicion.

What he didn't know was that even Fang Xuanling was kept in the dark.

Li Ming skipped all official channels, used his own power, and was secretly preparing to make big news in the palace.

Ignorance is bliss.

Therefore, in Li Shimin's eyes, although there were some minor frictions, the palace still maintained harmony.

…………

Li Ming's study.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian learned his lesson this time and finally wore the round-necked robe of the Tang Dynasty people with four-clawed golden dragons embroidered on the cuffs, looking heroic.

Well, like a handsome beauty in men's clothing.

Li Ming poured a cup of tea for the visitor and sat opposite him.

Li Chengqian: "Royal brother, are you okay? Are you alright?"

Li Ming: "It's OK, I'm fine."

The visitation process ends here.

Of course, the host and the guest couldn't just pat their butts and leave.

Their eyes met, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward.

Li Chengqian: "This used to be the room where my mother's cosmetics were stored."

Li Ming: “Yeah.”

Li Chengqian: "It smells like my mother."

Li Ming: “Yeah.”

Li Chengqian: "Have you eaten yet?"

Li Ming: “I’ve eaten.”

Li Chengqian:......

Li Ming: …

Even if they racked their brains, they couldn't find anything to talk about.

Because they have fought each other openly and secretly for countless rounds, it is not enough to describe their relationship as each having ulterior motives.

On the one hand, Li Ming had been digging up the roots of the Prince's party, some of them directly poaching people from the party, while others indirectly led to Li Chengqian being poached because of him.

For example, the most capable assistant minister, Changsun Wuji, jumped to the Prince of Jin's Mansion.

It can be said that the reason why the prince went from waiting to succeed to the throne to having to compete for the position was primarily because of Li Ming.

On the other hand, the big brother Li Chengqian also directly attacked Li Ming many times, and several times he went directly for the youngest brother's head.

Even in the assassination case that is still under investigation, Li Chengqian is still the biggest suspect.

When enemies meet, there is really nothing to say.

"Brother, you have fulfilled your duty as an elder brother. I appreciate your concern."

Li Ming said sarcastically:
"You are busy, so I won't waste your time."

He picked up the tea bowl and saw the guest off.

However, Li Chengqian had no intention of leaving and continued to drink his tea tactlessly.

After drinking the tea, he carefully placed the tea bowl and looked directly at Li Ming with his elegant eyes.

Li Ming couldn't help but become serious and sat upright in his seat.

Li Chengqian relaxed, and his tone was no longer reserved, as if he was chatting with someone:
"My dear brother, do you still remember what I said to you when you just returned to Chang'an from Liaodong?"

Li Ming frowned slightly.

"'I won't kill you'.

"It didn't happen when we besieged Lide Hall, it doesn't happen now when we're fighting for the throne, and it won't happen in the future."

Li Chengqian lowered his eyes:
"Royal brother, remember this sentence and don't forget it next time.

“I will not kill my brothers.

"Including the King of Wei."

Li Ming nodded:
"Then I would like to thank my brother for not killing me."

Li Chengqian ignored the sting in his younger brother's words and suddenly asked out of nowhere:
"Has the King of Wei come to visit you?"

"Brother Tai has been here a long time ago." Li Ming said.

Unlike Li Chengqian who was "waiting to be married", Li Tai would come to Lizheng Hall in a sedan chair to pay his respects to his father whenever he had nothing to do.

Although the two of them usually avoided each other intentionally or unintentionally, on the second day after Li Ming was attacked, Li Tai temporarily put aside his entanglement and took the initiative to visit him with gifts.

That fat guy is the best at playing tricks. "Be careful, Li Tai."

Li Chengqian spoke word by word.

"I have my own judgment." Li Ming answered without hesitation.

Li Ming always assumes that all the rhetoric used by his competitors is bullshit.

No matter whether it is true or false, no matter whether it is a friendly reminder or a provocation.

Li Ming has his own judgment.

Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing, smiling charmingly.

"Brother, if you have something to say, just say it."

"You look a lot like him."

After saying that, he stood up and left.

What is he here for... Li Ming looked at his elder brother's black butterfly-like back and scratched his head in confusion.

A faint fragrance entered his nostrils, which was quite different from the soothing scent lingering from Empress Changsun.

"Li Chengqian put on makeup? Has he finally taken this step?"

Li Ming didn't think much about it and got up and went out.

Unlike the big brother who claims to be alone and has no friends, he has a bunch of friends outside.

Everyone agreed to make big news in the palace.

…………

“I’m glad you came to see me.

"But I am not happy that you have come after such a long time."

In Li Shimin's study, father and son were one sitting and one standing.

Li Shimin's voice was low, but his eyes and eyebrows were filled with joy.

Strictly speaking, after the Liaodong incident, the father and son did have no communication at all.

In addition to various public occasions, Li Chengqian "accidentally met" his father many times, and Li Shimin himself also visited the Eastern Palace several times.

However, it was the first time since the Liaodong incident that the prince came to the Lizheng Palace to pay his respects openly and proactively, and the father and son were able to have a good talk in private.

"I have been ill and have been slow to come to visit you. I hope you will forgive me." Li Chengqian politely made an excuse.

This isn't all an excuse.

After being alienated by his father and his position as crown prince in name only, Li Chengqian's health suddenly collapsed.

Because his strict father had too high expectations of him, he was subjected to high-pressure education from the famous ministers of the Zhenguan period since he was a child, and Li Tai was always biting at him from behind, which led to his delusion of persecution being no less severe than Li Ming's.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian was always afraid of being deposed.

Because the job of a crown prince is rather special, resigning is almost equivalent to death.

If you can't go to the Tai Chi Hall, then go to the Yama Hall.

And now, Li Chengqian’s nightmare since childhood has almost become a reality.

His father's favor waned day by day, and many of his ministers jumped ship, even his uncle gave up on him.

Deserted by his friends and relatives, the crown prince was completely deprived of his position as heir to the throne, and all he needed was an imperial edict.

Under the heavy pressure, Li Chengqian's already poor physical condition became even worse.

"Then you have done nothing for this period of time, watching your brothers erode your power. Is it because your body does not allow it?" Li Shimin's eyes were stern.

The psychological shadow from his childhood fermented again. Li Chengqian lowered his head subconsciously, his voice trembling:

"Yes...Replying to Father, yes."

Li Shimin's eyes were filled with disappointment, and he slammed the table and stood up:

"Not the posture of a human master!"

Li Chengqian was shocked.

"Aren't you afraid of being deposed? Don't you want to inherit my cause? Why don't you take the initiative and reach out to take it!"

Li Shimin cursed loudly.

Li Chengqian lowered his head, speechless.

"At critical moments, under great pressure, you always give up on yourself!

“When Li Tai argued with you, you behaved strangely.

"Now that there are two more little ones, you use the excuse of being seriously ill!"

Li Shimin paced back and forth angrily with his hands behind his back, stopping from time to time to point at his eldest son and scold him with frustration.

"Look at Li Ming!
"Completely the opposite of you, I used the most disadvantageous background and the most meager resources to achieve results step by step and secure the most advantageous position for myself!
"And you? Look at you, you're neither human nor ghost!
"Besides playing dirty tricks, what else have you done?!"

The reprimand of "other people's children" directly touched Li Chengqian's soft spot, making him unable to help but refute:

"I did not collude with King Qi and Zhang Liang. I was not the one who defamed Li Ming!"

"I have my own judgment." Li Shimin said without hesitation.

Li Chengqian was in a trance, with a bitter smile on his face.

Like...

This father and son are really alike...

"What are you laughing at?" Li Shimin was furious.

Li Chengqian calmed himself, took a deep breath, overcame his childhood fear, and looked directly into his father's eyes:

"Your son laughs at your father's lack of strategy!"

"You..." Li Shimin's temper suddenly flared up.

But thanks to the tempering of his other son who made him even angrier, and the blood pressure-lowering effect of a healthy diet, he controlled his temper and calmly asked back:

"What do you want to say?"

"Please ask your Majesty to revoke your order and stop fighting for the throne." Li Chengqian said firmly.

Li Shimin snorted contemptuously and assumed the majestic attitude of an emperor:
"Because you can't win against your brothers, you're thinking of some evil ideas?
"Tell me your reasons. If they are eloquent enough, I am not incapable of accepting your advice."

Li Chengqian suddenly became excited and raised his voice unconsciously:
"Li Ming has encountered such a vicious incident. Do you still want the four of us brothers to continue fighting? Do you really want to see us kill each other nakedly?"

Li Shimin's domineering aura gradually faded, his eyes became darker, and he said in a calm voice:

"Not being eloquent is not an excuse."

Li Chengqian's eyes flickered:
"What exactly are you trying to accomplish? What exactly are you thinking?"

"Do you want to know the real reason?" Li Shimin sighed and said in a low and gentle voice:

“After the Liaodong incident, I thought a lot.

"I am a father, and I am also an emperor. You and I are father and son, and we are also monarch and subject.

"The barbarians are like a pack of wolves waiting to see us, and the Tang Dynasty itself is even more ferocious than a lion or a tiger."

The royal family is different from ordinary people's families. Under the temptation and pressure of power, there is not much room for romance.

Li Shimin felt quite sad.

But he hardened his heart, and his tone became higher and higher:

“This empire cannot be run by incompetent cowards who are afraid of competition and unable to compete.

"Otherwise, it will be a disaster for the country, the royal family, and the coward himself!"

Li Chengqian retorted excitedly:

"Even if your descendants are killed in the competition?"

Li Shimin also got excited:
“That’s also a weakling who was eliminated!
"Is the transfer of imperial power gentle, kind, respectful, frugal and modest?"

As an emperor who killed not only internal enemies but also foreigners, and then his brothers, and fought his way out of the world, Li Shimin is fully qualified to say this.

This is raising a Gu. He is treating the four of us brothers as Gu insects... Li Chengqian felt dizzy and mumbled weakly:
"I understand. I will take my leave."

Li Shimin looked at his son's limping back and felt a surge of sadness for no reason.

"wait."

Li Chengqian stood:
"Father?"

"You are not in good health. You can try the prescription Li Ming prescribed for me." Li Shimin softened.

Li Chengqian was slightly startled and bowed respectfully:
"My son, I obey."

…………

At Ganye Temple, Li Chengqian came again to cleanse his soul.

He passed by Wu Meiniang who was leaving the temple.

Wu Meiniang hurriedly put on her veil and bowed to Li Chengqian's horse in courtesy, as a sign of meeting the crown prince.

Li Chengqian also dismounted and walked according to the etiquette of meeting his aunt.

The two of them treated each other with respect and there was nothing wrong with the etiquette.

As they passed by, Li Chengqian whispered:

"not the right time yet."

Although that man instigated brutal infighting among the brothers, and used them as tools to inherit the empire.

But he still cares about Cheng Qian's health.

This power machine still retains some affection for its children.

You indecisive hypocrite... Wu Meiniang couldn't help but curse in her heart.

But on the surface, she was still very submissive:

"Everything depends on your Highness's wishes."

No more words.

As long as this game of thrones continues, as long as the prince remains the first in line.

Li Dalang will eventually take this step according to her intention.

This is an inevitable result of weighing the interests.

All she had to do was to continue whispering in his ear and wait.

…………

When Wu Meiniang left the Forbidden Garden where Ganye Temple was located and returned to the harem through Xuanwu Gate, it was already noon and the sun was high in the sky.

She had no interest in staying in a lonely cold palace, so she went to Lide Palace as if she was familiar with the place.

She wanted to find out the details of Li Ming's assassination and exchange experiences and lessons.

Yang was washing vegetables at the entrance of the palace as usual, and the other concubines were also busying around.

Only Wang, who had never been involved in women's affairs, was still putting on makeup in front of the mirror as usual, and no one knew who she was showing it to.

"Sister, why are you working on your own again? It's not like you don't have palace servants to help you."

Wu Meiniang raised her voice somewhat exaggeratedly.

Yang wiped the sweat off her face and just smiled:
"got used to."

Wu Meiniang sensed someone's presence from the corner of her eye and immediately squatted down:
"Mei Niang, let me help you too!"

Having said that, without regard for Yang's opinion, he abruptly reached into the wooden basin and started to wash the vegetables clumsily.

"Just" at this moment, Li Shimin walked over slowly, and looked at the harmonious scene of the two concubines helping each other from afar, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Although he had a "quarrel" with Li Chengqian, he felt more relaxed.

I relaxed until noon and had time to stroll to Lide Hall to eat tofu.

Because quarreling is also a form of communication.

The father and son talked a lot about things, understood each other's thoughts and resolved their knots, which is a good thing.

That's much better than Emperor Wu of Han and his Crown Prince who were sulking with each other and ended up with the son leaving his father.

"Although Li Chengqian is still a bit effeminate, he finally acts like a big brother and can stand from the perspective of brotherhood."

Li Shimin stroked his moustache proudly.

Li Chengqian's attitude actually surprised him a little.

He used to think that this eldest son was of the cuckoo sign.

In order to keep his position as crown prince, he did not hesitate to be ruthless to his younger brothers.

Now it seems that Li Chengqian is not really willing to kill each other with his brothers.

"Regardless of whether one has a promising future or not, it is always good to have a filial and brotherly heart."

With a loving father and filial son, friendly brothers and respectful younger brothers, and a harmonious harem, Li Shimin felt that his life had never been so complete.

(End of this chapter)