Datang: Just been appointed as the crown prince, the counterattack system is here

Chapter 1: The eldest son or the most virtuous one? [New book, please add it to your collection]

"How is Cheng Qian?"

Just as Li Shimin sat on the coveted throne of emperor, he heard that his eldest son Li Chengqian fell ill, and he rushed back without stopping.

At this time, Li Chengqian was lying on the couch, unconscious.

Empress Changsun wiped her tears and apologized to Li Shimin with self-blame.

After listening to Empress Zhangsun's story, Li Shimin realized that she had told Li Chengqian about the Xuanwu Gate Incident. He could not help but sigh and was speechless.

As a father, he should appear tall and majestic in front of his children, but when it comes to Li Shimin, he is completely different.

Although there were many reasons for the Xuanwu Gate Incident, the twists and turns were too complicated for an eight-year-old child to understand.

But in a society where "loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness" are the highest norms of conduct, what actions could be more heinous and unforgivable than killing one's brother and forcing one's father to abdicate? What could be more unbearable than the moral and public pressure such actions would generate?
Not to mention Li Chengqian who was only eight years old, even Li Shimin himself found it difficult to bear.

Perhaps it was because of this that many years later, Li Shimin did not want Li Chengqian and Li Tai to inherit the ambition of the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

"Your Majesty, don't worry. Cheng Qian has the blessings of the Li Tang ancestors. He will surely turn misfortune into fortune and become your Majesty's worthy successor."

Seeing that Li Shimin didn't say anything, Empress Changsun comforted him again.

However, upon hearing the word 'successor', Li Shimin looked at Empress Zhangsun in surprise, then at Li Chengqian lying on the couch, frowning and saying, "Guanyinbi has been thinking about that?"

"You are Her Majesty, you should be the one to think about that matter." Empress Changsun blinked and said in a tacit understanding.

Li Shimin sighed and said, "You know best. After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, was it better to appoint a crown prince based on merit or seniority? Initially, His Majesty the Retired Emperor secretly promised me the crown prince because of my military achievements, which meant appointing a crown prince based on merit."

"Cheng Qian is our eldest son. He is only eight years old this year, and Qingque is only six years old. How can we tell who is virtuous and who is not?" Empress Changsun said somewhat displeasedly.

Li Shimin hesitated and said, "It's not that I haven't thought about it. I mean, when they grow up a little and read more, maybe they will be able to make a general idea. What do you think?"

Judging from the historical results, Li Shimin did establish the eldest son as the heir, but history also results in compromise.

Moreover, it was natural for Li Shimin not to want to appoint a crown prince after having just experienced the Xuanwu Gate Incident.

But Empress Zhangsun had her own ideas:

"If we're talking about appointing a virtuous and capable crown prince, Your Majesty is the perfect example. With Your Majesty ruling the Tang Dynasty, the world will soon be at peace. Appointing the eldest son as crown prince is the most dignified and least controversial. Everyone in the world knows this, and the Tang Dynasty is already fully prepared."

Li Shimin still hesitated and said, "But you also know that I was deeply affected by the dispute over the crown prince. Thanks to your care, I was able to survive that time."

At this point, as if remembering something, he bowed and said, "Guanyin maid, accept my greeting!"

"His Majesty!"

Upon seeing this, Empress Changsun also bowed. Unexpectedly, the couple bumped into each other.

"hehe."

The couple subconsciously touched each other's heads and laughed out loud.

After a moment, Empress Zhangsun leaned back in Li Shimin's arms and said leisurely, "Speaking of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, the former Princess Yang of Qi reported it to Your Majesty at the critical moment. How will Your Majesty repay her for her contribution? She is now in the palace."

Hearing this, Li Shimin froze and didn't know how to respond.

After all, he did do some ridiculous things that night at Xuanwu Gate.

But Empress Zhangsun said unconcernedly, "In fact, I can see that she is interested in Your Majesty."

"This"

Li Shimin's old face turned red with embarrassment.

Empress Changsun smiled gently. "This beauty admires heroes. This has been the case throughout the dynasties, and I am no exception. In my opinion, why not take her as your Imperial Concubine?"

"what?"

Li Shimin was surprised, but he quickly realized that Empress Changsun was using her magnanimity to make him compromise.

Another thing is that Empress Changsun should have known about Yang's pregnancy.

After a moment's silence, Li Shimin glanced at Li Chengqian lying on the soft couch and said with a smile, "Since Guanyin is optimistic about our eldest son, let's do as you say and make him the crown prince. I promise you, I will make Chengqian the crown prince!" Empress Zhangsun was overjoyed when she heard this. She quickly straightened her posture and saluted Li Shimin, "Your Majesty! Please accept my respects!"

"but."

Li Shimin changed the subject and said solemnly, "Don't crown him yet. I must be extremely cautious with the person who will inherit my throne in the Tang Dynasty."

"promise."

Empress Changsun nodded in agreement but said nothing more.

She knew that some things should be done in moderation.

But she believed that her eldest son would definitely be crowned successfully.

Soon, Li Shimin left the Eastern Palace.

After watching him leave, Empress Zhangsun's eyes flashed with an indescribable sadness. Finally, she sighed helplessly, then turned to look at Li Chengqian lying on the soft couch, gently wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and murmured to herself: "Chengqian, no matter what kind of woman your father likes, the crown prince can only be you. I hope you will not let your mother down. Be a good crown prince in the future and take good care of your brothers and sisters."

“No! Don’t—!”

Li Chengqian, who was lying unconscious on the couch, suddenly woke up.

His eyes were wide open, as if he had experienced something terrible, and he sat on the couch in shock.

At this time, Empress Zhang Sun hurried forward to comfort him: "Cheng Qian, don't be afraid. Mother is here. Mother is here to protect you!"

After saying this, she hugged Li Chengqian in her arms, and tears fell on Li Chengqian's forehead.

Li Chengqian was bewildered, with three questions popping into his mind.

who am I?
where am I?
What am I going to do?
and many more!

Wasn't I hit by a dump truck? How am I still alive?

This woman is
Just when Li Chengqian was at a loss, a splitting headache came over him like a tide.

At the same time, a strange memory flooded into his mind.

The owner of this memory is Emperor Taizong of Tang, the eldest son of Li Shimin.

No way!
Li Chengqian was stunned, and couldn't understand why he had this memory.

cross?

Reborn?

Have I died once?

Li Chengqian couldn't understand all this and just felt it was a bit absurd.

"Cheng Qian, are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?"

Empress Changsun looked at him with great concern, her eyes full of worry and joy.

"I, I'm fine"

Li Chengqian responded cautiously as he studied the strange yet familiar woman in palace attire. His memories were becoming increasingly clear, as if he were the tragic prince in history.

But soon, a translucent panel appeared in his mind, confirming the authenticity of that memory.

You've been the Crown Prince for eighteen years, yet you still haven't been able to prove to your father that you're a qualified Crown Prince. You're fed up, your rebellion failed, and you've been deposed.

[The counterattack system is activated. Please return to the position of Crown Prince. Reward: Taixuan Health Preservation Sutra, which can cure lameness.]

In Empress Changsun's arms, Li Chengqian looked at the lines of text in his mind and was completely stunned.

　This is a story about re-opening the Xuanwu Gate in an alternate history and counterattacking life. The system is only a plot aid, not the main theme. It has 3 million words of this excellent old book, so please feel free to read it.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)