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

Chapter 279 Li Chengqian: Li Er, don't push me, otherwise... [Requesting monthly votes]

"Say it!"

Snapped!
A whip cracked.

"Are you going to say it or not?!"

Snapped!
Another whip cracked.

The prison, resembling a scene from hell, was filled with all sorts of torture instruments and covered in mottled bloodstains.

The sight of a branding iron heated over charcoal sent chills down one's spine.

A prisoner whose mouth was gagged with burlap was being tortured by Imperial Guards dressed in flying fish robes.

Not far away, a young man was holding a book, drinking tea, and watching the Imperial Guards carry out the execution with great interest.

Although the prisoner did not know what kind of execution method this was, he was terrified.

He was certain that if the interrogation continued like this, he probably wouldn't last two days; he would suffocate from the suffocation.

He really wanted to say it.

But these madmen of the Imperial Guards didn't give him a chance to speak at all.

It seemed that tormenting him was the greatest pleasure for these Imperial Guards.

Especially that young man watching him from not far away, he was a devil, more terrifying than the snowman on the snow mountain.

He actually watched himself being executed while drinking tea and reading a book—what kind of psychopath is that?!
The Imperial Guards of the Tang Dynasty were truly terrifying!!
"woo woo woo woo."

"What, you still don't want to talk about your grand theory?"

"woooooo"

"Okay, if you don't want to talk about it, let's try something different. I have plenty of time!"

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!"

collapse!!
Lu Dongzan is really on the verge of a breakdown!!
He had served as a high-ranking official in Tibet his entire life, and he had never been treated like this before!

He doesn't care about any damn Zanpu now; he just wants to survive in the hands of these perverted Imperial Guards.

Fortunately, after his third struggle, the young man who had been watching the show finally stood up from his seat, slowly walked towards him, and said with a faint smile, "Do you want to live?"

"Bang bang bang!!"

Lu Dongzan desperately banged the back of his head against the wooden frame because his neck was constricted by an iron clamp.

But then the young man laughed and said, "Will you tell the truth? If you say even one wrong word, you will never have another chance to speak."

Upon hearing this, Lu Dongzan hesitated for a moment, but quickly made up his mind and banged the wooden frame with the back of his head again.

"Bang bang bang!!"

"Very well, take him away for questioning!"

The young man nodded in satisfaction, then waved to the two Imperial Guards who were carrying out the execution.

Soon, Lu Dongzan was taken to the interrogation room.

At the same time, a woman in brocade robes slowly walked into the prison cell.

"I've confessed. It was indeed Wu Bing who was plotting this. He has people in the court helping him, and they even have people in the Musketeers!"

"Martial soldiers?"

"That's my little Wu brother!"

"Ugh, don't talk to me like that, it's annoying!"

"hehe."

Yang Nannan smiled noncommittally, then glanced curiously at the empty cell and asked, "What about you? Has Lu Dongzan confessed yet?"

We are currently hiring.

Pei Xingjian casually remarked, then frowned and asked, "Who is that person in the court? Do you have any leads?"

"No."

Yang Nannan shook her head and pondered, "Most of those who attacked the Musketeers were deserters from the battlefield. They were secretly recruited by the Shouzhulang and disguised as refugees to mingle around Chang'an. Their leader was just someone the military officer contacted to coordinate the inside operation."

"What about the inside man?"

"died."

"Can we capture Wu Bing?"

"It's difficult! Didn't you fight him that night? Even Commander Su wasn't a match for him!"

"I mean, can you catch him?"

"I?"

Yang Nannan was slightly taken aback, then said with a smile, "It's even more impossible for me. I only know how to use Gu, and my martial arts skills are very average."

"No, when you put it that way, it makes me feel like you're completely useless."

"is it?"

Yang Nannan's gaze sharpened, and she immediately took out several bright green Gu worms, staring intently at Pei Xingjian, and said, "Why don't we give it a try?"

"Uh"

When Pei Xingjian saw the Gu worm that Yang Nannan took out, he immediately got goosebumps all over his body, but relying on his manly nature, he still stubbornly said, "A good man doesn't fight with a woman! I won't try it with you!"

After saying that, he quickly changed the subject, saying, "What about the Five Tigers and One Tai Sui? Have you investigated it? Are there any problems?"

Seeing that Pei Xingjian backed down so quickly, Yang Nannan didn't argue with him. She immediately put away the Gu worms and said, "We investigated. Apart from Chai Zhewei and Li Zong, no one else knew about Li Ke's plan. But Li Ke's plan wasn't to harm the Crown Prince; it was to add to his enjoyment."

"What fun?"

Pei Xingjian was clearly taken aback.

Suddenly, Yang Nannan lifted her leg and placed it on the table, revealing a fair, smooth, and very long and shapely leg. She said with a look of disgust:
"I don't understand either. Why would a perfectly good woman like another man? Although he is indeed good-looking, he doesn't have legs as long as mine."

After saying that, she seemed to remember something and laughed, "Oh right, I forgot to tell you, the Crown Prince really likes long-legged beauties, like me."

"Don't talk nonsense!"

Pei Xingjian's expression changed, and he immediately retorted, "The Crown Prince is not that kind of person at all!"

"cut!"

Yang Nannan rolled her eyes at Pei Xingjian and said, "You haven't even seen the Crown Prince's paintings, how do you know?"

"I"

Pei Xingjian was momentarily speechless, but still righteously warned Yang Nannan: "Anyway, you are not allowed to insult the Crown Prince, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?"

"Reporting to the Garrison Commander! Lu Dongzan has confessed everything. Would you like to ask him a few more questions?"

Just as the two were locked in a fierce battle, a report suddenly came from afar.

"Alright! I'll go ask a few questions right away and then report to the Crown Prince!" Pei Xingjian quickly agreed, then glared at Yang Nannan before leaving on his own.

Yang Nannan smiled and pursed her lips, then bent down to stroke her long legs and murmured a few words.

Meanwhile, in a mansion not far from Suzaku Avenue.

A very bright room was filled with burning candles.

In the very center of the room, there was a man in black kneeling on one knee.

"My lord, the plan was successfully completed, but the Embroidered Uniform Guard reacted very quickly, and we did not obtain many firearms."

As soon as these words were spoken, a figure slowly appeared behind the screen, which was about two or three zhang away from the man in black.

But then he said in a muffled voice, "As long as we get it, that's fine. As long as we have a firearm, we can make a copy. Don't worry."

"Yes!"

The man in black responded and was about to speak when the buzzing voice continued, "Lu Dongzan's matter has been exposed, and Li Ke will probably be exposed soon as well. Inform the garrison commander that I have fulfilled my promise to him. I hope he will not disappoint me in return for his promise to me."

"Rest assured, my lord, I will certainly convey your message to the garrison commander. I am confident that your cooperation with me, the garrison commander, will be very pleasant!"

"Ha! Wu Bing, you truly live up to your reputation as the successor personally trained by the Garrison Commander!"

"Thank you for your kind words, sir. Is there anything else you require?"

Upon hearing this, the person behind the screen remained silent for a moment before calmly saying, "I want to kill someone!"

"Who?"

The man in black named Wu Bing immediately became serious.

Because he knew this man's temperament very well; he wouldn't kill easily, but once he made up his mind to kill, it was definitely because this man had committed some unforgivable taboo.

But then they heard the person behind the screen say, "I won't tell you this person's identity for now. When the time is right, I will inform you. Make sure to kill him in one blow!"

"Yes!"

Wu Bing knew his rules and didn't ask any further questions.

And so another silence fell, until the figure behind the screen slowly disappeared. Only then did he stand up from the ground, narrow his eyes, and ponder in silence.

Who is this person?

Meanwhile, in the Crown Prince's residence, in Li Chengqian's bedroom.

"system?"

Li Chengqian called out weakly.

Soon, the system's voice rang out.

【I'm here!】 "Why hasn't the quest been canceled yet? I'm waiting for the new side quest to be released!"

[Host, please wait, the system is processing your request.]

"What the hell are you trying to deal with?! It's been three days! Do you know how I've spent these past three days?"

Li Chengqian's face immediately darkened.

Three full days have passed since he abandoned the mission last time.

Over the past three days, he has called the system countless times, and each time the system says it is being processed.

I have no idea what it's processing.

Even complaints couldn't scare it anymore, which really annoyed Li Chengqian.

But then the system's mechanical voice rang out again.

The system knows the host is in a hurry, but advises the host not to rush, as the system is currently processing the issue.

"My darn thing!"

Li Chengqian was really angry at this damn system.

I don't know if it's deliberately trying to annoy me so I'll take on that stupid side quest, or if it's actually working on it.

However, no matter what tricks they pull, Li Chengqian will never fall for them again.

He is determined to fight this damn system to the very end.

"call"

Taking a deep breath, Li Chengqian angrily closed the system interface and then rolled out of bed.

Seemingly hearing a noise from inside the room, a respectful voice immediately rang out from outside the door.

"Your Highness, would you like me to prepare your toiletries?"

"Okay, let's get ready!"

Li Chengqian stretched lazily, then seemed to remember something and asked, "Where's Laifu? Is he back yet?"

"He came back last night and should be resting now. Should I go and call him over?"

"No need, let him sleep a little longer. My mother has kept him in the palace these past two days, and he's probably been interrogated quite a bit. It must have been tough on him!"

After saying this, Li Chengqian pushed open the door and went out. What came into view was a sky full of rosy clouds. He subconsciously wanted to raise his hand.

Chang Wei held up a sunshade to block the glare, and said with a smirk, "Steward Laifu is loyal to you, which is his duty. I should learn from him in the future."

"Ah!"

Li Chengqian laughed: "You're quite good at handling things. It seems Qingque didn't trust you for nothing!"

Upon hearing this, Chang Wei's expression changed, and he hurriedly said in a trembling voice, "This servant's loyalty to His Highness the Crown Prince is like the mighty Wei River, flowing endlessly. I beg His Highness to see for himself!"

"is it?"

Li Chengqian glanced at Chang Wei, then said with a sigh, "That would be best!"

After saying this, he didn't say anything more to Chang Weiduo.

After all, loyalty isn't something you can just say; it's something you can do.

But then Chang Wei cautiously said, "Your Highness, while you were resting, the Prince of Yan came by, but I told him you were asleep, so he went back."

"It seems something has happened in the palace."

"Oh?"

Li Chengqian raised an eyebrow and said, "Did the Prince of Yan tell you that something happened in the palace?"

"No, it was this servant who noticed it?"

"You could tell? How did you figure out something happened in the palace?"

But Chang Wei chuckled and said, "To be honest, Your Highness, I've been working in the palace since I was a child, and I know a lot about the details of palace attire. They usually only leave the top button of their collars undone in times of emergency."

Just now, this servant observed that the Prince of Yan's buttons were not fastened, so I deduced that he must have received some news and came to discuss it with you immediately!

"Since you came to discuss this with me, why didn't you wake me up and instead went back?" Li Chengqian asked curiously.

Chang Wei thought for a moment and said, "Judging by the time, it should have been when the palace gates were about to close. He was afraid he wouldn't make it in time, so he gave up."

"Haha, it seems you really know a lot about the palace."

Li Chengqian threw his head back and laughed, then looked at Chang Wei with a teasing expression and said, "Don't you think it's a waste of your talent for me to keep you in the Crown Prince's residence?"

"Don't dare!"

Chang Wei quickly lowered his head, wanting to explain, but Li Chengqian waved his hand to interrupt him, saying indifferently, "I don't really care whether something happens in the palace or not. As long as nothing happens in the Tang Dynasty, then all is well!"

After saying this, he prepared to instruct Chang Wei to prepare toiletries.

However, at that moment, Pei Xingjian hurriedly walked over, cupped his hands, and said, "Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

"Oh, Commander Pei, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Return to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince"

Pei Xingjian was about to answer Li Chengqian when he suddenly saw Chang Wei beside Li Chengqian and immediately stopped talking.

When Chang Wei saw that Pei Xingjian was hesitant to speak, he immediately understood what Pei Xingjian meant and respectfully said to Li Chengqian, "Your Highness, please wait a moment. This servant will prepare your toiletries right away."

After saying this, he tactfully left.

"hehe."

Li Chengqian smiled to himself, thinking that this guy was really useful. He was quick-witted, knew his place, didn't try to take credit, and knew how to say nice things. No wonder the little fat boy trusted him so much.

After watching Chang Wei leave, Pei Xingjian frowned and asked, "Does Your Highness really trust Chang Wei?"

"As the saying goes, if you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them. Whether it's Chang Wei or you, I treat everyone the same."

Li Chengqian smiled and said, then waved his hand and said, "You don't need to worry about Chang Wei's matter. Tell me about your own business first!"

"Yes!"

Pei Xingjian felt relieved and immediately reported: "Your Highness, Lu Dongzan has confessed everything. He did indeed collude with the Prince of Han, and the Prince of Han has quite a lot of ambition. He plans to use Murong Shun to control Tuyuhun!"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian was immediately surprised and asked, "You mean the Prince of Han intends to control Tuyuhun?"

"Yes, according to Lu Dongzan's confession, the Prince of Han planned to unite with Tibet to support Murong Shun to ascend the throne and have Princess Guanghua rule from behind the curtain!"

"Princess Guanghua?"

Li Chengqian frowned, seemingly not recalling such a person.

But Pei Xingjian explained further: "Princess Guanghua was a princess of the Sui Dynasty who was married to the former Tuyuhun Khan, Shifu, for a political marriage. Later, Shifu died and Fuyun ascended the throne. She was then taken by Fuyun and became his Khatun, that is, his queen!"

"Uh, they're really messy, even your sister-in-law is involved."

Li Chengqian had intended to complain about the Tuyuhun people, but then he suddenly realized that his cheap father seemed to be the same way, so he was speechless.

However, Li Ke's ambition was still quite unexpected to him.

Because there is no official historical record of Li Ke's ambition, and even his personal information is scarce.

However, adhering to the principle that it is better to have no history books than to believe everything in them, he still felt that what was happening at the moment was the standard by which he should make judgments.

He smacked his lips as if he hadn't complained at all, then asked Pei Xingjian, "Besides instructing the Prince of Han, did Lu Dongzan say anything else?"

Pei Xingjian cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, Lu Dongzan also said that he wants to redeem himself through meritorious service and asks Your Highness to give him a chance."

"Oh? How do we give him a chance?"

He said he wanted to.

"Your Highness! News has come from the palace that the Prince of Han has been ordered to go to his fiefdom and has already been granted it!"

Just as Pei Xingjian was about to tell Li Chengqian about Lu Dongzan's idea, Su Dingfang hurriedly came over again: "Also, His Majesty just issued an edict to transfer Li Jing and Chai Shao back to Chang'an, and the northwestern prefectures and Shuofang will be temporarily managed by Zhang Gongjin and Li Daliang!"

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian frowned, wondering what was going on.

They had only just discovered Li Ke's involvement when Li Er immediately ordered him to his fiefdom. What did this mean? Was he trying to protect Li Ke?

Moreover, what is the meaning of summoning Li Jing and Chai Shao back to Chang'an at this time? Could it be that they are trying to deal with me?
Thinking of this, Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes and then said in a deep voice, "Besides these two things, have there been any troop movements around Chang'an?"

"This humble general has not yet received any news of troop movements around Chang'an!"

Su Dingfang shook his head and said something, then changed the subject and said, "However, His Majesty has indeed summoned many ministers in the court these past two days, including Li Ji, Xiao Yu, Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, Changsun Wuji, Yuchi Gong, and Hou Junji."

"It seems that, just as Chang Wei predicted, something must have happened in the palace."

Li Chengqian pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Summon Zhishi Sili and the Japanese envoy. Tell them I want to see them, and don't say anything else!"

"Yes!"

Su Dingfang responded and immediately turned and left.

At this moment, Pei Xingjian asked again, "Does the Crown Prince still want to give Lu Dongzan a chance?"

Li Chengqian thought for a moment, then said indifferently, "Bring him along too. I have a plan in mind that I'm going to try. If it works, we'll keep him; if it doesn't, we'll just kill him!"

"Very well! Your Majesty, I will go and bring him here immediately!"

Pei Xingjian immediately bowed and accepted the order, then left as well.

Li Chengqian, who watched them leave, frowned again and muttered, "Li Er, what exactly are you trying to do?"

"Don't push me, or else..."

……

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(End of this chapter)