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

Chapter 304 He's your son, can't you step down?! [Requesting monthly votes]

"If I said I didn't do it on purpose, would you believe me?"

"Do not believe!"

"Fine, if you think I did it on purpose, then it was on purpose!"

Li Yuan was too lazy to explain anymore, and simply said in a defiant manner, "Anyway, you came to find me, not the other way around!"

"Father!"

Li Shimin was furious at these words, but he still suppressed his anger, wiped the wine off his face, and said in a deep voice, "I don't want to argue with you about these pointless things anymore! What I care about now is the empire of my Li family!"

"What happened to the Li family's rule?"

"You know what I'm trying to say!"

"Humph!"

Li Yuan snorted coldly, then said disdainfully, "Do you know why Yuan Tiangang doesn't want to see you? It's because he's afraid that if he relies on the Mandate of Heaven and becomes arrogant, he will end up cutting himself off from the Mandate of Heaven!"

"How did I turn my back on fate?"

Li Shimin frowned and said, "Back then, he said that the Mandate of Heaven was on our Li Tang, so we took a different approach and captured Chang'an instead of seizing Taiyuan. Later, the facts proved that the Mandate of Heaven was on our Li Tang, didn't they?"

"Yes, I admit that most of what he said came true, including asking us to forgive Yin Shishi's children in exchange for an important piece of intelligence. But have you ever considered that even if it is destiny, human effort is still required? If it weren't for your three thousand iron cavalry defeating Dou Jiande's army of one hundred thousand, would the Tang Dynasty be what it is today?"

"This"

Li Shimin was speechless.

But Li Yuan said again, "I have never denied your ability, nor have I ever denied the success you have brought to the Tang Dynasty. I just do not agree with the things you have done."

"Even though you have indeed suffered some injustices, and I have indeed made some mistakes, how did we, father and son, come to this point?"

"If we're talking about destiny..."

At this point, Li Yuan couldn't help but sneer, saying, "You can outcompete your elder brother and me, so why are you afraid of not being able to outcompete others?"

"I"

Li Shimin was speechless again, but this time he spoke up before Li Yuan could speak: "I am not worried about myself, but about Chengqian making mistakes. Father, do you understand?"

"If that imperial aura is Chengqian, do you really want to see my son and I fighting each other?"

"Whether it's Chengqian or not is still uncertain, why are you getting so worked up?"

Li Yuan looked calmly at Li Shimin, then changed the subject: "Even if it is Chengqian, he is your son. Can't you give in to him?"

"Father!"

Li Shimin stood up angrily again and shouted, "Is this a question of whether or not to give it up?!"

"How can this not be a question of whether or not to give way? Didn't I give way to you back then?"

Li Yuan slowly stood up, looked calmly at Li Shimin, and said, "If you don't want to give it up, then get rid of him! Anyway, you still have two sons."

"boom!"

Before Li Yuan could finish speaking, Li Shimin stomped on the table in front of him and smashed it, then stared at him with murderous intent.

After a long pause, he finally suppressed his murderous intent, slowly raised his foot, and said coldly and ruthlessly, "If fate has decreed that we, father and son, will become enemies, then before I leave, I ask that you come with me!"

After saying this, he didn't say another word and turned to leave.

Li Yuan, watching him leave, gazed at his retreating figure with a complex expression. After a moment, he sighed and shook his head, saying, "Your Second Brother is still the same as ever, not changed at all."

As he spoke, he immediately ordered towards the door, "Someone! Notify Yuan Tiangang to go to Ganlu Hall!"

"If you don't go, don't come back!"

"Yes!"

A voice answered from outside the door, and soon someone went to inform Yuan Tiangang.

Although Li Yuan hoped that the aura of an emperor belonged to Li Chengqian, if it wasn't, then it was necessary to find out as soon as possible and eliminate the threat completely.

Just like the Yin Shishi of yesteryear, who firmly believed in the prophecy of the golden knife and was certain that his daughter would become the founding empress, and thus sought revenge against the Li family. It's better to believe in such things than to dismiss them entirely.

Li Yuan understood this principle well, which is why he sent Yuan Tiangang to assist Li Shimin.

As for Li Shimin, he naturally understood this as well.

The fact that Li Shimin could say those words shows that he had already prepared for the worst.

Giving up the position is impossible, unless it's a fight to the death.

"It seems we need to remind Chengqian to change our strategy."

Li Yuan narrowed his eyes and muttered to himself silently.

the other side.

Li Shimin, who had rushed out of Da'an Palace, gradually slowed down.

Before long, Wu She approached from behind and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus has sent someone to invite Yuan Tiangang. He said he must go to the Ganlu Palace and not come back if he doesn't go!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was secretly delighted, but outwardly he said nonchalantly, "Go then, I didn't say anything about returning to Ganlu Palace!"

"hehe!"

Wu She smiled noncommittally, then tentatively asked, "Should we also send Li Chunfeng from the Imperial Observatory to the Ganlu Hall?"

"Isn't he already in the Ganlu Palace?"

Li Shimin looked at Wu She with amusement.

Wu She paused for a moment, then quickly nodded and bowed, saying, "Oh, right, right, I was mistaken. He has indeed gone to Ganlu Palace!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "I heard that the Retired Emperor's Consort Zhao is about to give birth?"

Wu She thought for a moment and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, she should be due to give birth next month!"

"That's perfect. Let the medical school staff wait and study it carefully!"

"what?"

Wu She asked with a surprised look, "Wouldn't that be a bit offensive, after all?"

"What offense?"

Li Shimin coldly interrupted Wu She, then said calmly, "The Emperor Emeritus dotes on the Crown Prince, don't you know that? Now that the Crown Prince has established a medical academy, shouldn't he show some filial piety to the Emperor Emeritus's concubines?"

"This"

Wu She hesitated for a moment, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. This servant will go and inform the medical school to wait!"

"Go!"

Without a word, Li Shimin dismissed Wu She, then turned back to look at Da'an Palace, narrowed his eyes, and said disdainfully, "You can use my son against me, and I can use your grandson against you."

After saying this, he snorted coldly and left on his own.

at the same time.

After leaving the medical school, Li Chengqian did not return directly to the Crown Prince's residence, but instead went to Changsun Wuji's residence.

Although Li Chengqian harbored some resentment towards Changsun Chong because of the incident at the Huji Tavern, he did not want to create any rift between himself and the Changsun family at the moment.

After all, Li Shimin's most trusted minister was still Changsun Wuji.

As long as Changsun Wuji doesn't stand against him, it's a good thing for Li Chengqian.

Throughout the entire Tang Dynasty, if we were to discuss who was most skilled at scheming against others, none other than Changsun Wuji would be considered the best.

Therefore, in Li Chengqian's mind, even if Changsun Wuji was not on his side, there was no need to become enemies with Changsun Wuji.

Moreover, news of Li Lizhi's affair would eventually reach Changsun Wuji's ears.

If Changsun Wuji identifies Li Chengqian as the culprit behind Li Lizhi's refusal to marry him, even if he dares not break ties with Li Chengqian because of Li Chengqian's power, as long as Li Shimin is still the emperor, no one can say for sure whether he will scheme against someone at a crucial moment.

Therefore, whether it was because Empress Zhangsun asked Li Lizhi to convey her message, or because of Li Chengqian's own considerations, he had to come to Zhangsun Wuji's residence.

"Your Highness, we have arrived."

Just as Li Chengqian's mind was racing, the carriage driven by Laifu slowly came to a stop outside Changsun Wuji's residence.

"Alright! Go and bring all the gifts down. I'll go in myself; no need to announce my arrival!"

"Yes!"

After giving instructions to Laifu, Li Chengqian got off the carriage on his own.

At this moment, the guard at the gate hurriedly came forward, smiling and bowing, "May I ask, young master, do you wish to see my master?"

"That's it."

Li Chengqian chuckled vaguely, "Is your master home?"

"Yes, yes, may I ask if you have a visiting card, sir?"

"Better greetings?"

Li Chengqian was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I don't have a visiting card, I just came to see my uncle!"

"Your uncle?"

The guard was taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "Who is your uncle?"

"Changsun Wuji!"

"what?"

The guard's expression changed, and he was about to reprimand Li Chengqian when he suddenly saw Lai Fu behind him, carrying gifts and walking over. He couldn't help but tremble and quickly knelt down to pay his respects: "This servant greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Li Chengqian laughed: "How do you know I am the Crown Prince? I have more than one nephew!"

"Uh, this."

The guard was momentarily embarrassed, then quickly chuckled awkwardly and said, "To be honest, Your Highness, I overheard my master saying that our master only acknowledges Your Highness as his nephew, and isn't very close to the others."

"Oh?"

Li Chengqian raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that Changsun Wuji was indeed quite capable, at least in educating his son; he had definitely put his heart into it. No wonder Changsun Chong was so supportive of that cripple.

"Good! Well said!"

Li Chengqian nodded in satisfaction, then flicked his hand and said, "Laifu, here's a reward!"

"Yes!"

Lai Fu responded and immediately took out a one-hundred-tael silver note and handed it to the guard.

The guard received the silver note with great joy and immediately kowtowed to Li Chengqian: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness! I will go and inform my master and the others right away!"

"No need! Just tell me where they are, and I'll go myself!"

"Very well! Your Highness, this way please!"

After saying this, he got up from the ground, quickly put away the silver notes, and gestured to Li Chengqian to invite him.

the other side.

The middle-aged couple who had been secretly following Li Chengqian lowered their hats and withdrew their gaze from Li Chengqian.

But then the middle-aged woman frowned and asked, "Well, did you figure it out?"

"Don't rush, let me weigh his bones!"

The middle-aged man calculated with his fingers, and after a long while, he said with surprise and uncertainty, "That's not right, he shouldn't be destined for this!"

"What do you mean?"

"According to the bone-weighing method to predict his fate, and the physiognomy method to observe his lifespan, he should have a smooth road ahead, die young, and have a tragic afterlife. But when I weighed his bones just now, it didn't match his appearance at all. In other words, either he is a demon in disguise, or a master is covering up his secrets!"

"What does this mean?"

The middle-aged woman was still somewhat puzzled.

But the middle-aged man said thoughtfully, "If he is a demon in disguise, then Heaven will deal with him. Besides, given all the trouble he's caused, the fact that he hasn't suffered divine retribution yet is enough to prove that he's not a demon."

"Then there is only one possibility: someone of great wisdom is concealing the secrets of heaven from him, preventing me from seeing his destiny!"

"This"

The middle-aged woman hesitated for a moment, then said somewhat impatiently, "Just tell me, what should we do next?"

"I think we should first report to the Garrison Commander and ask him to send a lieutenant general to handle this!"

"No, is he really that scary? Do we need to send a general over?"

"It's beyond terrifying; I can only say that this child must never be allowed to live!"

The middle-aged man said with a solemn expression, "Otherwise, my garrison commander will surely be destroyed by him!"

The middle-aged woman was startled upon hearing this.

You should know that this is the top physiognomist in the Shouzhulang, and their lineage of physiognomy has never made a mistake in hundreds of years.

And at the same time.

Li Chengqian and Laifu were led by the guard to a small garden.

There, Changsun Wuji was explaining proverbs to Changsun Chong and Changsun Pingting.

But then Changsun Wuji spoke eloquently: "There's a very interesting saying among the common people: 'People fear becoming famous, pigs fear growing fat.' Do you know what that means?"

"I don't know." Changsun Chong shook his head blankly.

Changsun Pingting said thoughtfully, "People are afraid of becoming famous because they are afraid of being burdened by their reputation. Pigs are afraid of getting fat because they are afraid of being killed when they grow big, right, Father?"

"Hehe, the general idea is correct, but we need to understand the deeper meaning. As the saying goes, 'The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind.' Sometimes, when we are in the midst of a struggle, we must learn to be low-key, otherwise, we will easily become the target of everyone's criticism."

Changsun Wuji explained with a smile.

"What if a struggle is inevitable? How should we deal with it?" Changsun Chong couldn't help but ask.

Changsun Wuji thought for a moment, then smiled and explained, "There is a folk saying that goes, 'If you don't talk about worldly affairs with others, then there will be no worldly affairs.' It means that when struggle is unavoidable, you should try to avoid talking about right and wrong in order to protect yourself."

"This"

Upon hearing this, Changsun Chong nodded as if he understood, then frowned and pondered.

Just then, a slapping sound came from not far away: "Good! Uncle is absolutely right!"

"Ok?"

Changsun Wuji was slightly surprised and looked in the direction of the sound.

Suddenly, Li Chengqian appeared at the edge of the small garden, clapping and cheering.

"His Royal Highness!"

Changsun Wuji reacted for a moment, then rushed forward and bowed, saying, "This old minister greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

"I have met His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Changsun Pingting and Changsun Chong also came over to pay their respects.

"Uncle, what are you doing? Please, no need for formalities!"

Li Chengqian quickly stepped forward and helped Changsun Wuji up. Then he smiled at the Changsun siblings and said, "Cousin Pingting, Cousin Chong, you two don't need to stand on ceremony!"

"Your Highness, what brings you here? You didn't even inform this old minister."

Changsun Wuji was helped up by Li Chengqian. While sighing, he turned his gaze to the guard next to Li Chengqian and scolded in a low voice, "What are you good for?! You didn't even announce the arrival of His Highness the Crown Prince?!"

"Master, I"

"Hey, Uncle, don't blame him. I told him not to announce it!"

Before the guard could explain in a panic, Li Chengqian interrupted him with a smile, and then said with a sigh, "I have long heard that my uncle is quite knowledgeable about folk proverbs. Seeing it today, I can see that it is indeed true. No wonder my uncle can show his witty and humorous side in court!"

"Hehe, Your Highness, please excuse my poor appearance!"

Changsun Wuji chuckled, then glanced subconsciously at the awkward-looking Changsun Chong, and said, "Your Highness, this way please, let's go to the living room to talk!"

"it is good!"

Li Chengqian readily agreed, and then said to Laifu, "Laifu, put away the gift I prepared for my uncle, and bring up my bottle of fine jasmine tea. I want to brew tea for my uncle myself!"

"Yes!"

Laifu responded and hesitated, wondering where to put the gift.

At this moment, Changsun Chong quickly stepped forward and said, "Chief Steward, leave it to me!"

"Thank you, Young Master Xie Changsun!"

"hehe."

Changsun Wuji and Li Chengqian exchanged a smile, seemingly understanding what the other was trying to say.

This is what they call burying the hatchet with a smile.

Soon, the uncle and nephew arrived in the living room.

But Changsun Wuji spoke first: "Chengqian, I heard that Lizhi went to the medical school you established to study medicine. Is that true?"

really!

He couldn't hide this from him after all!
Li Chengqian's heart sank, but he remained calm on the surface and said, "It seems so. It is said that my father sent her there, and several of my other sisters also went to study medicine!"

"Oh, how long does it take to study medicine?"

"I'm not sure about that either. It mainly depends on talent. Talented people can learn it in three to five years, but it's hard to say for those who aren't talented."

"Oh, does that beautiful woman have a talent for studying medicine?"

"Probably. Lizhi is so smart, she can't be that bad!"

"Too."

Changsun Wuji thought it made sense, so he put aside his worries and smiled at Li Chengqian, saying, "As the saying goes, no one visits without a reason. Chengqian, you must have come here today for more than just to see your uncle, right?"

"Uh, this"

Li Chengqian hesitated for a moment, then chuckled, "You really can't hide anything from your uncle!"

After saying that, his expression turned serious, and he continued, "Uncle, to be honest, I've come to see you today because I want to cooperate with the Changsun family on a big business deal!"

"Big business?"

Changsun Wuji frowned, about to speak, when suddenly Meng walked in with a smile, bowed and said, "This concubine greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

"Auntie, you're too kind!"

Li Chengqian quickly stood up and offered Meng a helping hand.

Meng's smile widened, thinking to herself that her visit to the palace to see Empress Zhangsun had not been in vain, as Li Chengqian had indeed come to visit the Zhangsun family.

"Chengqian, about what happened with Chong'er last time..."

"Aunt, there's no need to say anything more. We're family, there's no need to talk about these things. That matter is long past in my hands!"

Before Meng could finish speaking, Li Chengqian interrupted him with a smile.

This moved Meng to tears of joy.

"Chengqian, you are so magnanimous. Your aunt may not know how to speak well, but how about I cook you a delicious meal today?"

"That's wonderful! I've long heard that my aunt is a woman of impeccable manners, equally adept in the living room and the kitchen, truly the most virtuous woman in Chang'an!"

"Hehehe"

Lady Meng beamed with joy at Li Chengqian's few words of praise, much to the bewilderment of Changsun Wuji, Changsun Chong, and Changsun Pingting.

I wondered what was wrong with the Crown Prince today.
It's like he's a completely different person!
In fact, Li Chengqian knew better than anyone else Meng's position in the Changsun family.

Don't underestimate Meng Shi, a mere woman; she holds the reins of the Changsun family's finances.

The Meng family may play a decisive role in what Li Chengqian wants to do next.

(End of this chapter)