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

Chapter 286 That mouth of his! More venomous than those imperial censors! [Seeking monthly votes]

While Li Chengqian was promoting the imperial examination reform and scheming against Li Shimin and his ministers, Li Shimin was not idle either. In particular, after his confidence soared, Li Shimin immediately set his sights on concentrating military power.

After all, he had an army under his command, so he wasn't afraid of anyone, not even his son who was constantly pressing him.

Therefore, during this period, he repeatedly summoned ministers such as Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, Changsun Wuji, and Hou Junji to discuss military reforms.

At this moment, after receiving Li Shimin's approval, Xiao Yu, the Left Minister, slowly walked into the main hall.

"Your Majesty, this is a memorial sent by the Crown Prince, who says he wants to present it directly to Your Majesty!"

"Heh, the Crown Prince is becoming more and more sensible. It's no wonder that I issued that decree before the New Year. It seems that forbidding him from entering the palace without being summoned has been effective."

Li Shimin glanced at his ministers and smiled, then took the memorial from Xiao Yu's hand and examined it with a smile, saying, "Let's see what brilliant ideas the Crown Prince has to offer this time!"

"Ok?"

Before he could finish speaking, the smile on his face froze, and then he turned furious faster than turning the pages of a book, shouting, "This rebellious son is getting more and more outrageous! By what right does he dismiss my Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and replace him with his own people?"

"This"

Upon hearing Li Shimin's words, the ministers exchanged bewildered glances, wondering what the Crown Prince meant. Dai Zhou was doing a good job, so why was he being replaced so suddenly?

Fang Xuanling then asked in confusion, "May I ask Your Majesty, has the Crown Prince explained the reasons for dismissing the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review?"

"Look at this! This unfilial son is really pushing his luck! Such a small mistake, can't he even be forgiven? Is it really necessary to dismiss the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review? This is simply outrageous!"

Li Shimin angrily threw the memorial at Fang Xuanling.

Fang Xuanling hurriedly took the memorial and unfolded it to examine it.

It turns out that Li Chengqian felt that although Zhang Yunggu had tried Li Haode's case, Dai Zhou, as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, had not fulfilled his responsibilities as the principal official and almost caused his subordinate to be mistakenly killed by the emperor.

This is a serious dereliction of duty.

Moreover, when Li Shimin wanted to kill Zhang Yung-gu, Dai Zhou did not step forward in time, indicating that he did not have a detailed understanding of the whole case and did not have a sense of identification with his colleagues.

This is also a serious dereliction of duty.

Finally, Li Chengqian also cited a point: in the third year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty, there were as many as 390 death row inmates, while in the Wude era, the number of death row inmates never exceeded 200. This suggests that during the three years that Dai Zhou served as the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, he was not proficient in his duties and was unprofessional.

In conclusion, Li Chengqian advised Li Shimin to dismiss Dai Zhou from his post as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and appoint Sun Fujia as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review in his place, while also promoting Zhang Yunggu to Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

"This"

After reading Li Chengqian's memorial, Fang Xuanling was at a loss for words and could only hand it over to Wei Zheng and others for review.

However, Li Shimin couldn't wait for Wei Zheng and the others to examine the matter, and said indignantly, "Tell me, is it really necessary? Even if Dai Zhou has some flaws, they don't outweigh his merits, do they? Just for such a trivial matter, am I going to dismiss him?"

"His Majesty!"

Before Li Shimin could finish speaking, Xiao Yu interjected solemnly, "Although I haven't seen the Crown Prince's memorial yet, I still disagree with Your Majesty's statement. Both military discipline and the law must be dealt with seriously. Otherwise, the country will face serious problems. This is just like when I impeached Li Jing for unauthorized military action, which was tantamount to treason, and Your Majesty has not yet taken any action. This is a violation of the law and discipline!"

Upon hearing Xiao Yu's words, Li Shimin's anger flared up instantly: "I was talking about the Crown Prince, how did you bring up General Li Jing?"

"What difference does it make? The so-called 'flaws don't overshadow the merits' is just condoning others!"

"you!"

Li Shimin was taken aback by these words and was about to retort to Xiao Yu when Wei Zheng suddenly spoke up: "Your Majesty, I also believe that this is not a problem with Dai Zhou or General Li Jing, but rather a reflection of problems with the legal and military systems."

"Even if it wasn't Dai Zhou or General Li Jing, it would have been the same if it happened to anyone else."

"Yes, since the Zhenguan era, we have revised the laws and unified military power, but there has been no change in the management of officials and the system of commanding troops."

Upon hearing this, Changsun Wuji thoughtfully replied, "Therefore, I think this matter might be a breakthrough for us."

"What do you mean?" Li Shimin frowned.

But then Changsun Wuji said, "Originally, I intended to advise His Majesty to reform the army by entrusting General Li Jing with the task. But now I think it might not be so bad to entrust it to the Crown Prince."

Furthermore, the Crown Prince is also implementing reforms, so I think it would be better to delegate this matter to him as well!

As for Dai Zhou...

He paused for a moment, then chuckled, "Even if he didn't become the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, would His Majesty not value him?"

"Absurd! Does this mean that officials who make mistakes should be promoted to high positions? What kind of logic is this?!" Xiao Yu scoffed at Changsun Wuji.

Changsun Wuji awkwardly twitched his face, but instead of responding to him, he focused his gaze on Li Shimin's face.

Li Shimin's expression changed repeatedly, and finally, as if pondering, he said:

“If we were to deal with General Li Jing, it would certainly serve as a deterrent to the people. But I have told him that I will not treat him the way Emperor Wen of Sui treated Shi Wansui. I will only remember his merits, and I cannot break my word.”

"Moreover, he has just won a victory and brought back the Imperial Seal of the State. It would not look good for me to deal with him!"

“But if we leave it unattended, that’s not a long-term solution!” Hou Junji couldn’t help but interject.

Li Shimin glanced at him, then at Xiao Yu, and squinted, saying, "The Left Minister is right. What I'm worried about is not letting things go unchecked, but rather indulging others."

"This"

The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment once again.

This other person is quite subtle.

Besides Li Jing, who else could be worthy of such deep consideration by Emperor Taizong of Tang?

They didn't even need to think about it to know.

But Wei Zheng then interjected, "Regardless of the circumstances, I still feel that the gains from the trial of General Li Jing outweigh the losses. As for dismissing Dai Zhou and appointing Sun Fujia as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, I also feel that there is nothing wrong with that."

"His Majesty!"

No sooner had Wei Zheng finished speaking than Hou Junji suddenly spoke up again: "Do you remember the Crown Prince's decision at the last court assembly? He wanted to release those 390 death row inmates and send them back to their hometowns, so that they could return next year for their autumn execution. And this matter was handled by Sun Fujia!"

"If, and I mean if, these 390 death row inmates do not return, would it be a dereliction of duty on Sun Fujia's part? I recall that the Crown Prince made a bet with us, saying that if even one of those 390 death row inmates did not return, he would confine himself for three years, not concerning himself with any affairs of the court, and focus solely on his studies."

Wow!
As soon as this statement came out, the whole audience was in an uproar!

Even Li Shimin was almost caught off guard, thinking to himself, "That's right!"

How could I have forgotten about this?

That unfilial son made this bet in front of the entire court!

If even one of those 390 death row inmates fails to return, he will imprison himself for three years!
Hahaha!
You said it yourself, I didn't force you!

But I absolutely do not believe that all 390 death row inmates will return.
By then, he will have solved the problem of military reform for me, offended the military, and will not be able to get involved in military power. He will also be confined for three years, giving me peace and quiet. Wouldn't that be a win-win-win situation?

Thinking of this, Li Shimin made up his mind instantly and immediately said to Fang Xuanling, "Grand Chancellor, convey my decree to dismiss Dai Zhou from his post as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and reassign him as Grand Counselor. In addition, promote Sun Fujia to Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and Zhang Yunggu to Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review!"

"Sir, obey the order!"

Fang Xuanling immediately stepped forward to receive the imperial decree.

But then Li Shimin said, "Guards! Summon the Crown Prince to the palace!"

"promise!"

A voice responded from outside the hall, and soon someone left the palace.

At the same time, in the Prince’s Mansion.

Li Chengqian was receiving Zhang Ping in the living room.

Accompanying him was Zhang Ping's long-time partner, Pei Xuan.

But then Li Chengqian said with a smile, "Governor Zhang, you've grown quite a bit stronger in the past year! I almost didn't recognize you!"

"Hehe, thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince's care, I was able to survive several battles by sheer luck. As for my health, well, eating beef and mutton from the grasslands every day, it would be strange if I didn't grow strong!" Zhang Ping scratched his head and laughed.

Pei Xuan, who was standing to the side, also laughed and teased him, saying, "You're lucky, you have plenty of beef and mutton to eat. We don't have your kind of luck!"

"Hey, Commander Pei, are you implying that I've been too harsh on you? Eat as much beef and mutton as you like! Just don't worry about filling your stomach!"

"Hahaha!"

The three of them burst into laughter.

The atmosphere gradually became more pleasant.

After a moment, Zhang Ping stopped laughing and looked at Li Chengqian with a complicated expression. He sighed, "It's so much easier to get along with His Highness the Crown Prince! Back then, Commander Pei and I even wanted to cause trouble for His Highness the Crown Prince. We were so blinded by greed and didn't know our own limitations!"

"Yes! But His Highness the Crown Prince showed us a little something, and we were all caught off guard. Especially Minister Ma, his acting was really something else, I still want to avoid him whenever I see him!"

"Hehehe, who can disagree!"

Seeing the two chatting and laughing, as if they had returned to their time in Jiangling, Li Chengqian smiled as he watched them, picked up the wine pot, and poured them wine, saying, "To be honest, these four years have felt like a dream. You have both experienced a lot, and so have I. However, there is still much for us to do in the future. I hope we can work together to achieve our goals!"

"Let's encourage each other!" Pei Xuan and Zhang Ping exchanged a glance, then immediately raised their wine cups, gestured to Li Chengqian, and drank them down in one gulp.

"Oh, by the way, before I came to see His Highness the Crown Prince, Madam Li had a few words for me to convey to him."

Just as he put down his wine glass, Zhang Ping seemed to remember something and said something.

Li Chengqian was stunned for a moment, then glanced at Pei Xuan and asked, "Could it be General Li Jing's wife?"

"Exactly!"

Zhang Ping straightened his posture and said, "Madam Li is the famous Hong Fu Nu, and also General Li Jing's strategist. She followed General Li Jing in his campaigns, offering advice and strategies. She is truly an extraordinary person!"

"Oh?"

Li Chengqian raised an eyebrow, then asked calmly, "What does Madam Li have to say?"

"Return to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince"

Zhang Ping bowed thoughtfully and said, "Madam Li asked me to tell you that General Li Jing originally intended to suspend the attack on the Turks because His Majesty intended to negotiate with Khagan Jieli. However, when General Li Jing heard that the Crown Prince had sent Yu Gushe to capture Khagan Jieli, he resolutely decided to cooperate with Yu Gushe to launch an attack on the Turks. He did not really intend to disobey His Majesty's orders and mobilize troops on his own."

"This"

Li Chengqian was visibly stunned upon hearing this.

Because he didn't understand the purpose of Li Jing's wife's words.

Pei Xuan, standing nearby, pondered, "Regardless of General Li Jing's reasons, disobeying the imperial decree and mobilizing troops without authorization is tantamount to treason. It seems General Li Jing will certainly be impeached by the censors, and he's likely in trouble!"

"Huh? Why is that? General Li Jing clearly won the battle and even brought back the Imperial Seal of the State. Why would His Majesty punish him?" Zhang Ping asked, somewhat puzzled.

Pei Xuan glanced at him but didn't explain. Instead, he looked at Li Chengqian and asked, "What does Your Highness think?"

"Li Jing's wife is indeed no ordinary woman!"

Li Chengqian said with a sigh.

Pei Xuan and Zhang Ping exchanged a glance, but then Li Chengqian continued, "Do you know why Madam Li told me all this?"

"why?"

"Because the couple intends to serve me!"

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Xuan and Zhang Ping were utterly astonished, thinking to themselves, "How is this possible?!"
It's worth noting that when Li Shimin invited Li Jing to join his camp, Li Jing directly refused and remained neutral.

Because he once said: "A man should strive for fame and fortune through officialdom, not become a mere scholar of classical texts!"
What does this mean? It means that Li Jing valued practical achievements more than political opportunism!

Although he may be facing a major political crisis, he is by no means in dire straits and needs to rely on Li Chengqian for help.

But then Li Chengqian raised an eyebrow and said, "What, you don't believe me?"

"It's not that Your Highness doesn't believe us, it's just that we feel..."

"I actually know!"

Before Pei Xuan could finish speaking, Li Chengqian interrupted him with a smile, saying, "I know you won't easily believe this fact, but I must tell you, General Li Jing's matter is not simple. Perhaps the court is brewing something big and wants to use General Li Jing's matter to finalize it!"

"Because General Li Jing's current status is equivalent to that of the number one person in the army."

"Given my father's personality, do you think he would allow such a person to exist?"

"Huh? No way! His Majesty wouldn't be planning to kill my Uncle Li, would he?" Zhang Ping said in surprise.

Li Chengqian rolled his eyes at him, annoyed, and retorted, "What are you thinking! How could my father possibly kill General Li Jing? What I mean is, General Li Jing has his strengths, and when my father can no longer utilize them, he must be removed. Otherwise, he might become the next Han Xin!"

"This"

Zhang Ping and Pei Xuan looked at each other again.

Pei Xuan then said thoughtfully, "So, according to Your Highness, does His Majesty intend to dismiss General Li Jing from his post? But General Li Jing has just rendered great service; if he is dismissed like this, the army will likely be dissatisfied."

"so!"

Li Chengqian laughed and said, "That's why I said the court might use General Li Jing to solve a major problem. Think about it, what has the court been preparing for lately?"

Pei Xuan thought for a moment, then said uncertainly, "Could it be about military reform?"

"Yep!"

Li Chengqian revealed an expression of being a promising student and said, "If I'm not mistaken, my father and the others will most likely use General Li Jing as a breakthrough point and leverage his prestige in the army to implement reforms!"

"but."

Then, he changed the subject and continued, "This is equivalent to cutting off General Li Jing's wings, causing his prestige in the army to vanish forever!"

"After all, military reform will inevitably affect the interests of various parties within the military."

"If General Li Jing were to support the reforms in order to protect himself, he would become the target of public criticism, much like someone who eats from a bowl and then curses the cook."

"So, do you understand now? Why is Madam Li trying to curry favor with me?"

"Because whether it's my father or the former Crown Prince Li Jiancheng, no matter how they fight, no matter who wins, it won't shake Li Jing's position in the army!"

"But now..."

Although Li Chengqian hadn't finished speaking, Pei Xuan and Zhang Ping had already understood.

However, just as they were about to ask Li Chengqian more questions, a report suddenly came from outside the door: "Your Highness, His Majesty has sent someone to summon you to the palace for an audience!"

"Ok?"

Li Chengqian was slightly taken aback, and couldn't help but frown, asking, "Do you know what happened?"

"The messenger did not say what it was about, only that His Majesty summoned you urgently!"

"This"

Li Chengqian hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Pei Xuan and Zhang Ping, and said, "In that case, let's meet again another day. You two go back first!"

"Yes!"

Zhang Ping and Pei Xuan exchanged a glance, then immediately stood up and bowed.

But then Li Chengqian seemed to remember something, and turned his gaze to Zhang Ping, saying:
"Governor Zhang, if Madam Li asks about this, just say you've already relayed the message, and don't say anything else for now!"

"promise!"

Zhang Ping agreed without asking further questions, and soon left with Pei Xuan.

Li Chengqian, who watched them leave, narrowed his eyes and muttered a few words under his breath.

On the other side, at Li Jing's residence.

Hong Fu Nu is applying medicine to Li Jing to treat his frostbite.

"Ouch, it's so itchy!"

"This itch is worse than pain! Pain can be relieved, but this itch can never be relieved no matter how much it itches!"

"So you mean, instead of praising you today and punishing you tomorrow, it's better to just kill you outright, that would be quicker and more painless!"

"Your mouth is even more venomous than those censors!"

"But my mouth has helped you a lot, hasn't it?"

"This"

Li Jing's eyes darted around, then he sat up straight and asked curiously, "So, Zhong Yu has already gone to the Crown Prince's residence?"

"I went, I just went today!"

Hong Fu Nu glared at Li Jing, applying medicine to his wounds as she said, "Zhong Yu, though a bit cunning, still cares about you quite a bit!"

"Hmm, Zhong Yu is good. But do you really think things will take a turn for the worse?"

"Although His Majesty told you personally that he wouldn't treat you the way he treated Shi Wansui, he didn't specify how. This isn't a good thing for you. After all, sometimes a soft knife is more torturous than a hard one."

"Indeed, Madam is right. We cannot be careless about this matter!"

Li Jing nodded in agreement, then suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "I heard that the Academy of Sciences that the Crown Prince is organizing is opening at the end of the month. Should we participate?"

Hong Fu Nu thought for a moment and said, "I think we should participate. I also want to meet His Highness the Crown Prince."

"Okay, then let's participate together."

Li Jing immediately replied, "It just so happens that I also have something I need to verify with him!"

(End of this chapter)