Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 203 Oh my god, this is a version trap!
"Mother, I suspect that there is something wrong with Brother Cheng Qian's brain, but I have no evidence."

During dinner, Li Ming, as usual, chattered endlessly with his mother about the day's "interesting stories".

The awkward gathering of the three brothers in Lizheng Hall just now undoubtedly sounded a warning bell for Li Ming:
The brothers fought against the wall and defended against their insults.

For Li Chengqian, Li Zhi, and even Li Tai, who are brothers from the same mother.

He, the illegitimate son of Li Yuanji's first wife, was undoubtedly the "foreign aggressor".

"Li Jiadalang has been under pressure for many years and his behavior is abnormal. You must not get close to him."

As usual, Yang analyzed the cold situation with him in a gentle manner:
"Especially recently, his position as the crown prince is about to be taken away by you. He feels that he will not live long, so he will probably fight to the death.

"So, you should treat him like a ferocious tiger or a hungry wolf. Out of sight, out of mind. Don't rush into seeing him."

From the mother's 37℃ mouth came out words that were -273℃.

Now is the sprint stage of the finals, and there can be no room for error. Yang's warnings are becoming more direct and rational.

"Well, I was too careless." Li Ming accepted his mother's advice sincerely.

"Mother, I suspect that Li Zhi also has something against me. Will he want to harm me too?"

"Everyone says Jiulang is submissive and gentle, but the more so, the more you should be vigilant. A leopard will hide its claws and fangs."

Yang analyzed:
"It's a good thing that you live with him in Lizheng Hall. The protection there is solid, and Li Zhi won't be stupid enough to do something there and draw suspicion onto himself.

“But you must not take it lightly.

"You are not allowed to eat anything except food that comes directly from the Shangshi Bureau."

Li Ming nodded solemnly and asked:

"Can't I eat the dates that Ah Sizi gave me?"

"You can refuse her request politely on the grounds that dates can cause diarrhea. Princess Jinyang is sensible and will not force you."

Only to Li Mingda did Yang address him by his title:
"But you must not neglect Princess Jinyang because of this, you must get closer to her.

“The princess is your majesty’s most beloved daughter, and the third legitimate son’s favorite sister. She is a buffer zone between you, your father, and your son, and your brothers.

"Taking her down will add another layer of protection to your life safety."

Li Ming raised his eyebrows: "Take my sister down? Is this in accordance with Zhou Li?"

Let’s go back to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty and follow the story of Duke Xiang of Qi and Wen Jiang?
Yang raised her hand and gave Li Ming a slap:
"To establish a good brother-sister relationship with Princess Jinyang! What the hell are you thinking!"

"Oh." Li Ming rubbed his head.

"Also, during your term as regent, it is not convenient for you to live in Lizheng Palace. You should move back to Lide Palace."

Yang continued to warn:
“Firstly, without your Majesty in charge, the defense of Lizheng Palace may not be as strict as it is now, and the palace people may not be infiltrated by other forces.

"The Lide Palace has few people and is well-groomed. It is also deep inside the harem and outsiders are not allowed to enter. It is actually safer."

Li Ming broke out in a cold sweat and swallowed hard.

I was negligent and didn't really consider this aspect.

When it comes to "bottom line thinking", Yang, who had experienced the Xuanwu Gate Incident and studied in the Ye Ting for several years as the wife of a criminal, was no worse than her son.

"Secondly, Lizheng Palace is His Majesty's bedroom after all. You are only able to stay there 'temporarily' thanks to His Majesty's grace."

In addition to the safety perspective, Yang also made a well-reasoned analysis for his son from a political perspective:
"Now that His Majesty is away on an expedition, how can you, as the master, usurp his position?
"If I am impeached by a minister for 'having disloyal intentions', even if Your Majesty does not pursue the matter, it is inevitable that you will feel resentful."

Li Ming asked in confusion:

"My father would have handed the throne to me sooner or later, so why would he still suspect that I had any intention of being disloyal? Why would he still harbor a grudge against me?"

Yang looked at her innocent son and said slowly:

"Because one more day he is emperor, one less day you will be emperor."

Li Ming's breathing suddenly tightened.

"Mother...what did you say?
"what do you mean……"

Yang nodded heavily:
"That's what I mean. Who do you think is the crown prince's biggest enemy? The opposition in the court? The barbarians outside the court?
"neither."

Her voice was like hail in midsummer, seemingly absurd but actually reasonable, striking Li Ming's heart one by one.

"The crown prince's greatest enemy is actually the emperor himself!"

Li Ming's throat moved.

But isn’t the crown prince the flesh and blood designated by the emperor himself, the inheritor of the emperor’s will and the successor to his inheritance... He wanted to refute his mother in this way.

But he can't.

Behind Yang’s seemingly contradictory paradox, there is actually a very simple but cruel truth.

“There is only one emperor, and the only thing that prevents the new emperor from ascending the throne is the life of the old emperor.

"To put it more bluntly, only when the emperor dies can the crown prince take the throne."

Yang's words echoed heavily in Li Ming's ears:

“You should be able to understand that now that His Majesty is still strong, there are still uncertainties about who will take over.

"Only on the day of your Majesty's death will everything be settled."

Li Ming tugged at his collar uncomfortably.

"Do you think Your Majesty knows this truth?" Yang looked straight into Li Ming's eyes.

Li Ming felt a little timid for some reason. He avoided the sight and nodded.

Li Shimin himself is an experienced person, how could he not know this truth?

“So father... no, throughout history, when emperors choose a crown prince, the first criterion is filial piety..." Li Ming murmured.

This is not some kind of rite and legal doctrine of "I hope the holy dynasty will govern the world with filial piety."

This is the emperor’s urgent need to protect himself!

"Will you kill the king?" Yang asked suddenly.

Li Ming almost jumped up and covered his mother's mouth:

"Shhhhh! What are you talking about, mother?"

How could you kill your father! How could you be worse than an animal!
"If you don't want to kill the king, you should keep your tail between your legs during this period, remain humble and kind, be cautious in everything, and don't show your thirst for power."

Yang warned earnestly:
"This is the way to ascend the throne safely."

Li Ming felt terrified and nodded with lingering fear:

"Child...learn from it."

The emperor and the prince have the most awkward relationship in the world.

As a father, the emperor wanted to pass everything to his son. However, as the master of power, the emperor had to be on guard against the prince usurping power.

The same goes for the crown prince. As a son, he prays that his father will die soon. He is unwilling to wait for a long time in the position of crown prince. He even wants to die before the old emperor and has never tasted power for a single day.

The imperial family is so inhumane.

If he had a choice, he would rather travel through time to an ordinary wealthy businessman's home, carry a bird cage and walk around to enjoy a lifetime of happiness.

It is not ten thousand times better than the human tragedy in this ditch...

"Now you can personally experience Li Chengqian's difficulties, right?"

Looking at her pale son, Yang's heart was bleeding.

But she held on, not caressing her young son's head with heartache or patting his shoulder affectionately.

Instead, he continued to show the most rational and cold side of the imperial family nakedly in front of him:
"Li Chengqian was sentimental but timid, and could not withstand such distorted human pressure, so he was eliminated.

"What about you? Will you make the same mistake as him?"

Li Ming was already sweating profusely and had completely lost his appetite. He took a mouthful of rice purely instinctively.

As he was chewing, he suddenly smiled bitterly and said:
"Good fortune and bad fortune go hand in hand. Being the regent may not be a good job."

He had to face both the constraints of his ministers and the torture of human nature.

He began to feel that this was different from being the second generation of the "Emperor" and directly governing Chang'an.

Maybe it would be easier to hide in Liaodong and start a new business.

"This is His Majesty's true test of you."

Yang said gently.

The mother and son said nothing more and ate in silence.

"If, I mean if, it's purely an academic discussion."

Li Ming buried his head in the bowl and said casually:
"What if... the crown prince lets the emperor retire early and becomes the emperor emeritus?"

For the Li family, this can also be considered path dependence.

After all, the founding emperor, Li Yuan, was the father of the country, right?

"hehe."

Yang smiled gently:
"This is indeed the best of both worlds, achieving both the transfer of power and the happiness of human relations.

"only……"

It was just about how to persuade His Majesty Li Shimin to accept the deprivation of power - this was the second half of the sentence that Yang did not say.

Once you get involved in power, is it easy to give it up?

Throughout the past five thousand years, there have been only a handful of retired emperors in unified empires.

The emperor won't play any tricks with you like "Prince, can I resign?"

Unless you put a knife to his neck.

For example, the founding emperor Li Yuan, right?

"So, don't think about those things."

Yang made future plans for Li Ming:

"When you are the regent, you should just focus on providing logistics support for the Northern Expedition and coordinating the ministers. Don't make any unnecessary moves.

"Don't bring the Liaodong system into the country and cause unrest."

Li Ming nodded:
"That's what Prime Minister Fang taught me. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish."

"You have a good teacher. You must listen to him more." Yang nodded with satisfaction.

"When your majesty returns victorious, if nothing unexpected happens during your time as regent, the position of crown prince will be yours without any surprises."

Li Ming's eyes lit up:
“Then I’ll be able to do something?”

"Of course not. Have you forgotten what I just told you?" Yang frowned.
“His Majesty passed the throne to you because he hoped that you would carry on his will, not to let the people of the world realize that you are better than him.

"Especially when he's still alive."

Li Ming nodded obediently:
"Oh."

In short, you must not slap your father in the face and must firmly uphold feudal patriarchy and monarchy.

"Moreover, if you disagree with your majesty, what will you do with the officials? Don't put your subordinates in a dilemma."

Yang continued to teach:

“So, after you officially become the crown prince, you must tread carefully and not act rashly.

“You must serve your father with a more respectful, cautious, and filial attitude than when you were regent.

"Until... the end."

Li Ming was already baring his teeth.

Wow, it turns out that being a crown prince doesn’t mean being a son, but a grandson!

"If nothing can be done, what will happen to the Northeast?" he asked.

The Northeast is undergoing earth-shaking changes, and is only halfway through!

Yang sighed softly:

"Do you want to be the emperor of the world, or the king of Liaodong?
“If it’s the former, then you must stay in the capital and cannot go to Liaodong at will.

"You must treat the whole world equally, and not be partial to one over the other, and make the same mistake your father made by looking down on Hebei and Shandong."

Li Ming gritted his teeth when he heard this.

You can’t say this, you can’t do that, so you just have to sit back and wait?
That's too boring, readers will give up!

Of course, this does not mean that what Yang teaches is wrong.

In fact, most of the crown princes who succeeded successfully in history did so by pretending to be grandsons all the way to the top.

For example, there is a certain Prince of Jin named Li Zhi who does not want to reveal his name.

Being so patient, he is a natural to be a prince. However, Li Ming is still a fast-paced modern man who enjoys revenge.

Let him just sit there and watch the unreasonable feudal ruling policies without intervening to change them.

This is totally inconsistent with his character of taking initiative and making a difference.

You will get sick if you hold it in.

"Just bear with it like this." Yang said faintly:

"Thanks to your careful care, His Majesty's health is getting better day by day. Perhaps he can continue to serve for decades."

After the previous preparation, these words sounded inexplicably ironic to Li Ming.

Unexpectedly, the little secret of artificial longevity shared with Li Shimin turned into a boomerang and hit him right in the middle of his eyebrows.

Li Ming has been so frustrated and dormant for decades, I am afraid he will also shout out:
Is there a prince who has been in power for sixty years in this world?

"No no no! What am I thinking!"

Li Ming suddenly woke up and banged his head.

Although he is a time traveler, Li Shimin is still his father.

As a son of man, how can I curse my father!

Is this the distortion of human nature by power?

Li Ming looked at his hands in horror.

In other words, he has gradually entered the role of crown prince.

He had to deal with attacks and questioning from various opposition forces in the court and the country, but he could not do anything. He also had to follow his father's wishes and not arouse suspicion.

Most importantly, it must break away from its own base - the vast Northeast region.

Damn, is this becoming a crown prince or going to jail?

It’s a complete version trap!

No wonder Brother Li Chengqian went crazy in the end.

It is no wonder that in the past five thousand years, only about half of the princes have successfully taken office.

More than a thousand years later, the "secret succession system" that the Northeasterners led the Qing Dynasty to come up with was not without its advanced nature.

"I think... maybe being the crown prince or the regent isn't really suitable for me."

Li Ming scratched his head.

Yang's face turned cold:
"Then what do you want to do?"

"I want to be the emperor directly." Li Mingli answered.

Yang was in awe.

"For example, let Li Chengqian or Li Zhi, or someone else, take the position of crown prince first, and when the time comes, I will go south from the northeast and return as the king?
"Even if I can't defeat them, I can still rule the country across Yanshan Mountain from the Tang Dynasty and spend my old age in peace..."

He path-dependently returned to his original plan, only to get a big slap in the face from his mom.

"Where in the world is there a fool like you who doesn't want to eat the meat you have and instead wants to raise pigs from scratch?"

"It's not like I haven't done this before..." Li Ming rubbed the top of his head and muttered.

I remember that year (actually just last year), he did such a cool thing in Liaodong.

Despite his title as the military and political leader of the Jiedushi, he insisted on going up the mountain to fight guerrilla warfare and took back the territory that originally belonged to him inch by inch.

Unexpectedly, the effect was so outstanding that he was able to ignore local vested interests and carry out radical reforms, which actually made a difference.

If it were reproduced in the Tang Dynasty...

"Don't be silly, the world is right before your eyes, why are you still looking for something far away?

"If you can't even be patient, then you really don't have the qualifications to sit on the throne."

Yang poured a bucket of cold water on him:
"Since you have come this far, just focus on playing the role of the crown prince and don't get distracted."

Just like an ordinary mother, she hopes that her child can calm down and have a stable job.

Yang also hoped that the child could calm down and inherit the throne safely and steadily...

Well, that sounds a bit Versailles.

"I will also connect the Yang family and the Cui family, assist you in the court, and help you manage state affairs safely when your majesty is away on a campaign."

Yang changed the topic and returned to talking about the Regent.

Li Ming suddenly had an idea:
"With the marriage relationship of my sisters, I can use the noble families in Hebei and Shandong, right?"

Yang shook her head:

"It's hard to say. Li Ling just wrote to me not long ago that the Hebei gentry split into two factions because of you."

Li Ming was stunned:
"Me? What did I do?"

"One faction supports you, headed by the Cui family of Boling." Yang replied:

"But there is another group of people who are against you. One reason is that you are the successor appointed by His Majesty, and they have transferred their dissatisfaction with His Majesty to you.

"Secondly, many of your policies in Liaodong do not suit their wishes."

Li Ming rubbed his temples in annoyance.

"In short, Hebei is not completely safe, and the people there cannot be fully trusted. You have to be more careful."

Yang finally warned.

Li Ming let out a long breath and saluted formally to his mother:

"Children are taught."

The world is not an isolated place, and any decision you make will have both positive and negative effects.

For example, if she licked Li Er so well that she really licked herself into the crown prince, but who could have thought that this would actually put shackles on herself.

All I can say is, a blessing in disguise...

"Sister~"

A pretentious greeting interrupted the conversation between mother and son.

The person who came was Concubine Wei.

Ever since Li Ming showed his "champion appearance", Lide Hall has become more and more lively.

The concubines who used to nod to each other when they met seemed to have suddenly found the way to Lide Hall and often came to visit.

It can be said that it fills the gap left by Wu Meiniang.

"elder sister."

Yang immediately went up to him with a cheerful look on her face, and said somewhat awkwardly:
"It's been a while since I last visited you. My house is still a mess..."

"Alas, I am the one who is tactless and disturbs your meal..." Concubine Wei changed her previous cold attitude and laughed enthusiastically.

"Hello, Auntie~"

Li Ming greeted them skillfully and obediently, just like a child who came to visit a guest at home, listening to the adults chattering about everything under the sun.

As he listened, he slowly figured out the trick.

Concubine Wei came to ask for an official position for her son Li Shen.

"It's so pitiful that Shen'er has to serve as a vassal at such a young age.

"If he can return to the capital and stay by my side, just like His Highness Li Ming stays by my side, it will also put my worries to rest."

Concubine Wei said pitifully

"I don't ask him to be a high-ranking official, just a minister or a minister of the court."

"Cough cough cough!" Li Ming almost spit out his food.

I haven’t even started to supervise the country yet, and you’re already here to share the cake?

He was secretly pinched by Yang's thigh, and only then did he suppress his desire to complain.

“The Tang Dynasty’s official system had its own promotion system, either based on the imperial examination or military merit.

"I can understand your feelings, but if you go too far, I'm afraid..."

After being rejected for her sky-high price, Concubine Wei acted very aggrieved:
"Well, since my sister is unwilling to help and can't bear to see us mother and son separated, then that's fine."

If Li Shen comes back to be a leisurely prince, I can still arrange it, but you may not be willing... Li Ming chewed rice mixed with millet dryly.

"However, as time went by, the emperor's favor on Li Shen's family became less and less, and in the end, they were no different from ordinary wealthy families."

Concubine Wei raised the price again:

"I hope the Regent can consider appointing your brother as the 'hereditary governor' so that future generations can enjoy the emperor's grace forever.

"The hereditary provincial governorship was a policy that Your Majesty had implemented in the past, but it was unfortunately abolished by powerful officials, resulting in the impoverishment of the royal family.

"If His Highness Li Ming can restore such good governance, Li Shen and I will fully support His Highness to make further progress."

How can you two support me? Are you two officials in the court?
You are giving me a blank check in exchange for your descendants to be local tyrants in Kishu forever. Auntie, your abacus beads are falling into my rice bowl...

Li Ming complained in his heart and slammed his bowl down.

Although she asked for a high price and paid it back cheaply, Concubine Wei's "paying back" stage was too out of touch with reality.

It is impossible for Li Ming to reverse the historical trend from centralized power to feudal system.

Yang naturally knew what her son meant and blocked his words:
"This is a serious matter, and it still requires your majesty's decision."

The moment she was rejected, Concubine Wei showed her habitual contemptuous sneer.

That expression seemed to be saying: How dare you, the wife of a guilty minister and a frequent visitor to the imperial palace, look down on me?

But only for a moment.

Wei Gui glanced at Li Ming who was standing aside and immediately put on a warm and cheerful smile.

But the smile looked forced, with a hint of disdain.

Wei Gui had a smooth life, but his acting skills were obviously not as superb as those of other thousand-year-old foxes.

"It's not easy to be in the harem..." Li Ming sighed from the bottom of his heart.

Just like he became the target of public criticism.

As the mother became more and more favored, more and more gossips surrounded her.

It seems that all the beauties are trying to win over and flatter him.

In fact, every step has its own mystery, every step is full of scheming, every step is an exchange of interests...

"Then I won't disturb you."

After being rejected twice in a row, Concubine Wei didn't say much and just stood up.

Not to mention in the harem, even as a guest in an ordinary person's home, this is extremely snobbish and rude behavior.

"Auntie, take care~"

Li Ming sat in his seat and made the usual polite remarks, feeling that he had been very polite.

But he was still kicked secretly by his mother.

"Come, let's see Aunt Wei off together." Yang squeezed out these words amiably from between her teeth.

Li Ming felt a phantom pain in his buttocks, and he reluctantly stood up and helped A Niang see the guests off.

Concubine Wei did not even say a polite "please stay" or anything like that, and was escorted to the gate of Lide Hall by Yang's mother and son with peace of mind.

In her subconscious, Yang was still the young lady who had just left the imperial court and had no official status.

Everyone in the harem has their own talents, and they are ranked according to their merits and demerits, so they cannot act recklessly.

Even if Yang has now jumped to the position of Defei.

But above Concubine De, there is also "Concubine Shu".

The last one is "Royal Concubine".

This upstart was still two levels below her, Concubine Wei.

What's wrong with a concubine of low status respectfully seeing off the head of the harem, the noble Concubine Wei, when she leaves?
Concubine Wei was very angry and was waiting for Yang to open the door for her personally.

The palace door slowly opened.

A familiar and tall figure stood outside the door.

He was wearing a round-necked golden robe with a five-clawed golden dragon on it, which sparkled brightly under the light.

Concubine Wei was startled and leaned down reflexively, her voice cracking due to nervousness:
"Your Majesty, your servant..."

(End of this chapter)