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

Chapter 321 Intensify Li Er's Strength! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

After leaving the Lizheng Hall, Li Chengqian did not leave the palace directly, but went to the Ganlu Hall where Li Shimin was.

Although Li Shimin had already entrusted the Xueyantuo matter to him, he had not yet handed over the 200,000 border troops that Li Jing had left in the north.

If he wants to accomplish his plan, relying solely on the power of the Crown Prince is certainly not enough.

Therefore, he had to get his hands on these 200,000 border troops.

However, it was not an easy task to get Li Shimin to hand over these 200,000 border troops to him.

After all, Li Shimin was wary of him even when he was stationed in Chang'an, let alone giving him such great military power.

"It seems like a major hemorrhage is inevitable this time."

As Li Chengqian walked along the road, he muttered to himself, then remembered what had happened at Lizheng Palace.

Although Empress Zhangsun gave him a lot of love and care during the time he transmigrated into the body of a 'cripple', that was because the 'cripple' was her son.

If she knew that the soul in this body was no longer her son, she wouldn't have given so much love and care to a stranger.

Therefore, as long as his own interests were not involved, Li Chengqian still respected Empress Zhangsun quite a bit.

Even though she wasn't her real mother in a strict sense, she still treated her with the respect due to a mother.

However, given Empress Zhangsun's deep affection for Li Er, even if she doted on her son, she could not stand by and watch him and her husband turn against each other completely.

After all, she was a famous virtuous empress in history.

A virtuous and chaste woman who would never live on in disgrace when her husband was in trouble.

If Li Chengqian and Li Shimin reach a point of no return, Li Chengqian is truly worried that she will do something that will put him in a difficult position.

The situation will be very different then.

Therefore, Li Chengqian confronted Empress Zhangsun at this time, rather than waiting until things had developed to an irreversible point before telling her the truth.

There are two advantages to doing this: first, it allows for advance planning based on Empress Zhangsun's attitude; second, it provides a reasonable justification for future actions.

As the saying goes, if the name is not correct, the words will not be proper.

Even when Li Er forced Li Yuan to abdicate, he first controlled the military forces of the realm, rather than directly removing Li Yuan from the throne.

Therefore, confronting Empress Zhangsun in advance was in line with Li Chengqian's own interests.

As for how Empress Zhangsun will choose, that's beyond his control; he can only wait and see.

"Sigh! I thought Li Er had already passed away, but it turns out it's this lousy matter. I guess Li Er is already planning to personally lead the army! He's really impatient!"

Sighing somewhat helplessly, Li Chengqian looked around and noticed that the palace guards had all been replaced by the Golden Guards, and their numbers were much greater than before. He couldn't help but think to himself, "How afraid are you of a palace coup? If you had known this would happen, why did you do it in the first place?"

After saying that, he pursed his lips and then mentally summoned the system interface.

"system!"

[Here! ]

A familiar mechanical voice suddenly rang out.

Li Chengqian couldn't help but complain, "Did you already know I would accept the mission, which is why you delayed processing my cancellation request?"

[Host, you are overthinking this. The system is an emotionless program of the Heavenly Dao and does not try to understand your thoughts. Everything it does is based on the Heavenly Dao program. The reason why it is not processing your request for the time being is because the Heavenly Dao program is malfunctioning and cannot process it in a timely manner.]

"What the hell is wrong with the Heavenly Dao program? It's been half a year and you still can't fix your problem? Are the Heavenly Dao programmers really that incompetent?"

[The Heavenly Dao has no programmers; everything is run by the Heavenly Dao's program itself, including this system, which is also the result of the Heavenly Dao's program running.]

"Fine, fine! I don't want to listen to your rambling. Just tell me, what are the consequences if I don't complete a side quest by the deadline?"

Before the system could finish speaking, Li Chengqian interrupted him.

The system responded quickly to his question on the system interface.

[To the host: If the host accepts a side quest but fails to complete it within the specified timeframe, the system will determine the quest as a failure and reclaim any rewards given to the host.]

"Is this reward for all rewards, or just for this mission?"

[Returning to host, this is the reward for this mission. You will not be able to receive the same reward again, even if you accept a new side quest.]

"So, you're rewarding me with a system that I can completely control, and I only have one chance, right?"

【Yes】

"alright, I got it."

Li Chengqian replied with a sudden realization, then, as if remembering something, asked, "If I complete the main quest 'Counterattack,' will the rewards be as generous as those for this side quest?"

[The main quest is to rise from a deposed crown prince to the highest position, and the rewards are naturally the most generous!]

"How generous is it? Can you reveal a little bit of information?"

[The system can only tell the host that of all tasks, the main quest offers the most generous rewards. Please complete the main quest "Counterattack" as soon as possible.]

"Tch! Here we go again. I'll replace this damn system of yours sooner or later!"

Li Chengqian muttered a speechless complaint about the system, then closed the system interface.

Although he had made up his mind to fight the system to the end, things didn't go as planned, and Goguryeo actually launched an attack on the Tang Dynasty.

This forced the Tang Dynasty to wage war against foreign powers, even if it didn't want to.

In that case, it's unlikely he can develop his business peacefully any longer.

Moreover, given Li Shimin's wariness of him, even if he didn't actively participate in the Tang Dynasty's wars, he would still get him involved.

As for leaving him to oversee the country in Chang'an, that's out of the question.

Otherwise, Li Shimin would not have entrusted him with the affairs of Xueyantuo.

Since you can't avoid participating in the war, why not try to complete that seemingly impossible task?
What if it gets completed?
As a wise man once said, since we can't resist, we might as well enjoy it.

Therefore, Li Chengqian ultimately accepted the mission of conquering four kingdoms in three years.

If you don't complete the task, you won't get the reward at most.

Moreover, after this period of meticulous planning, Li Chengqian was somewhat confident in completing the mission, and he did not blindly accept it.

After all, he never does anything he's not sure about.

The most crucial thing now is to take control of the 200,000 border troops from Li Shimin.

"Hopefully Li Er won't ask for an exorbitant amount, otherwise, we'll have to increase his strength!"

With these thoughts in mind, Li Chengqian walked straight towards the Ganlu Hall.

As soon as he approached the Ganlu Hall, Yun Duan, who was guarding outside, greeted him with a smile and respectfully bowed, saying, "This humble servant greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

"Yes, Commander Yun, no need for formalities. I've come to see my father, is he inside?"

As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face, so Li Chengqian was very polite to Yun Duan's greeting.

But when Yun Duan heard that Li Chengqian had come to see Li Shimin, her heart jumped into her throat, and her gaze couldn't help but drift towards Li Chengqian's waist.

There was no way around it; the last time Li Chengqian met Li Shimin with a gun, he was almost scared out of his wits afterwards, and even now, he still feels weak in the knees when he thinks about it.

He replied with an awkward smile, "To be honest, Your Highness, His Majesty is discussing important matters with several ministers. I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while!"

"Oh, that's alright, I'll just wait a little while, I'm not in a hurry anyway!"

Li Chengqian waved his hand dismissively, then prepared to rest in a side hall of Ganlu Palace.

But Yun Duan seemed to be struck by lightning, his whole body jolted, and he hurriedly said to Li Chengqian, "Your Highness, please wait!"

"Ok?"

Li Chengqian paused, then asked with a puzzled look, "Why is Commander Yun blocking my way?"

"Uh, this."

Yun Duan was momentarily embarrassed, then chuckled awkwardly and explained, "To be honest, Your Highness, His Majesty has repeatedly instructed me to be vigilant against any danger in the palace. Therefore, anyone who gets close to His Majesty must be checked by me."

Although he didn't finish his sentence, how could Li Chengqian not understand the meaning behind it? So he narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a deep voice, "Does Commander Yun mean that he suspects me of plotting something treacherous?"

"Don't dare!"

Yun Duan quickly bowed and said with a forced smile, "It is my duty, Your Highness. Please understand!"

"Ah!"

Li Chengqian smiled, then said in a deep voice, "If I hadn't been understanding of you, would I not be able to see my father today?"

"Your Highness, please forgive me. It was merely my duty!"

"Very good, very good, a good duty indeed!"

Li Chengqian nodded repeatedly with a cold smile: "Since Commander Yun will not allow me to see His Majesty, then I will return. If His Majesty inquires about the Xueyantuo matter, please ask Commander Yun to inform me at the Crown Prince's residence. However, there are also rules in my Crown Prince's residence, namely that only palace servants are allowed to enter!"

After saying this, Li Chengqian turned and left without another word.

At this moment, Yun Duan panicked. Although in most cases, he, as the commander of the Imperial Guards, did not need to deliver orders, what if Li Shimin suddenly decided to send him to the Crown Prince's residence to deliver orders? According to the rules of the Crown Prince's residence, wouldn't he have to be cut off before he could enter?

So, seeing that Li Chengqian was about to leave, he stopped him again: "Your Highness, please wait!"

"What does Commander Yun mean by this?"

Li Chengqian looked calmly and indifferently at the clouds.

But Yun Duan said with a bitter expression, "Your Highness, it is truly my duty. If you do not wish to be investigated, then you should directly request an audience with His Majesty. That way, I can give you an explanation!"

"Didn't you just say that my father was discussing important matters with his ministers? Why are you requesting an audience directly?"

"If it were anyone else, they would naturally not be able to request an audience directly, but Your Highness, I'm sure His Majesty wouldn't blame you!"

After saying this, Yun Duan bowed to Li Chengqian and said, "Your Highness, please wait a moment. This humble servant will go and inform His Majesty immediately!"

Meanwhile, inside the Ganlu Hall.

Li Shimin had just finished discussing the strategy for conquering Goguryeo and the various deployments in Chang'an with Changsun Wuji and others.

Although Li Shimin was very confident in conquering Goguryeo, he was never a blindly confident person.

Even if he has already devised the perfect strategy in his mind, he still needs to discuss it with his ministers to convince them.

But then he said with a smile, "Since I ascended the throne, I have never worn military uniform and gone to the battlefield. Now that Goguryeo has committed a great crime, I have been given this opportunity. It is funny, but I actually want to thank Yeon Gaesomun."

"If it weren't for his arrogance, my passion for riding a horse and wielding a sword to conquer the battlefield would have remained unfulfilled."

"hehe."

Upon hearing this, the ministers burst into laughter.

Li Jing spoke first, saying, "Goguryeo's main defense is in the west. If our main Tang army suddenly attacks from the north, we can certainly catch them off guard!"

"Yes, I don't know how this tiny country could stump two emperors of the Sui Dynasty. Perhaps Yang Jian and Yang Guang were simply lacking in the Mandate of Heaven!"

Li Shimin echoed sarcastically, then, as if remembering something, changed the subject: "However, after I leave Chang'an, the affairs of state in Chang'an must not be neglected!"

As he spoke, he turned to Fang Xuanling and said calmly, "I have carefully studied the wartime cabinet proposed by the Crown Prince and think it is worth a try. However, this cabinet must be presided over by a person of high moral character and prestige who can command respect. Does the Left Minister have any suitable candidates to recommend?"

"this."

Fang Xuanling hesitated for a moment, then analyzed, "According to His Highness the Crown Prince's suggestion, the cabinet ministers are all ministers without rank or grade. To meet this requirement, they cannot be selected from among the court officials, but only from the Hongwen Academy or from retired ministers. However, given the current court policies, selecting retired ministers is somewhat unsuitable."

"So, according to the Left Vice Minister, the only option is to select officials from the Hongwen Academy?"

"They don't necessarily have to be selected from the Hongwen Academy. For example, Wei Zheng, the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, or Xiao Yu, the Junior Preceptor to the Crown Prince, are both capable of presiding over the cabinet."

"Well then, let Xiao Yu take charge of the cabinet. Wei Zheng, you, Li Jing, Gao Shilian, Liu Ji, Chu Suiliang, Yu Zhining, and others will all be selected to join the cabinet to make decisions on state affairs."

"His Majesty!"

Before Li Shimin could finish speaking, Changsun Wuji, who had been silent all along, suddenly interrupted him, saying, "I believe that Ma Zhou, Cen Wenben, and Sun Fujia should also be included in the cabinet."

"Ok?"

Li Shimin frowned, then turned his gaze to Changsun Wuji and said, "Aren't they people from the Eastern Palace?"

"Your Majesty, it is precisely because they are from the Eastern Palace that Your Majesty should select them for the cabinet; otherwise, it would be difficult to explain to the Crown Prince."

Why should I explain myself to him?

Li Shimin said with some displeasure.

But as soon as he said it, he seemed to realize something and slapped his forehead, saying, "Oh right, how could I forget? The Crown Prince still has to deal with the Xueyantuo matter, so we should indeed arrange for his people to enter the cabinet!"

Then he turned to Fang Xuanling again: "Left Minister, just as Fu Ji said, let the three of them also enter the cabinet, and select some Hanlin scholars and Hongwen Academy scholars to participate in important discussions together!"

"Yes!"

Fang Xuanling bowed and responded.

The next moment, a voice suddenly came from outside the door: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is requesting an audience outside the palace!"

"Ok?"

Li Shimin was slightly taken aback, then turned to look at the ministers, only to see them looking at each other, bewildered.

But then Li Shimin asked in a deep voice, "Do you know what this is about?"

"Your Majesty, I am not clear about the specifics. I only heard from His Highness the Crown Prince that it is related to the Xueyantuo!"

"Xue Yantuo?"

Li Shimin looked at the ministers again, but Hou Junji said thoughtfully, "I received a report that the Xueyantuo are gathering a large army after being rejected by our Great Tang for marriage. I suppose the Crown Prince has also received this report!"

"Alright, then you may proceed with the preparations as I have instructed. I will speak with the Crown Prince and see what he thinks!"

"I will obey your orders!"

The ministers all spoke in unison and immediately stood up to take their leave.

Soon, Li Chengqian was summoned into the main hall by Li Shimin.

"My son, please see your father!"

Li Chengqian bowed respectfully to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin smiled and gestured to him, "Please sit down!"

"Thank you, Father!"

Li Chengqian didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly facing Li Shimin.

Li Shimin first gave him a discreet look before leisurely saying, "I heard that your mother issued an imperial edict summoning you?"

"Yes! Your Majesty, I have just come from Mother's quarters and have come to see you!"

"Oh? But what happened?"

"It's nothing, it's just that Mother is worried about Father Emperor personally leading the expedition against Goguryeo, and wants me to advise Father Emperor not to get into a dangerous situation!"

Li Chengqian casually remarked, then looked at the military map beside Li Shimin and asked, "Father, have you already devised a strategy for conquering Goguryeo?"

"Yes, I just discussed some details with General Li Jing and the others!"

Li Shimin nodded and said something, then continued to ask, "You said your mother issued an imperial edict summoning you to the palace, in order for you to dissuade me?"

"Not only did they summon me to the palace, but they even invited my imperial grandfather!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's face darkened, and he immediately cast a cold glance at Wu She.

Wu She knelt down with a thud and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. When I first received the news, Your Majesty was studying the strategy for conquering Goguryeo. I dared not disturb Your Majesty's thoughts and thought I would tell Your Majesty later, but I haven't had the chance yet."

"Humph!"

Li Shimin interrupted Wu She with a cold snort, then said in a deep voice, "If you dare to act on your own again, you will no longer be able to stay by my side. Go and receive your punishment!"

"promise!"

Wu She respectfully responded, then bowed and left the main hall, her face pale.

Once only the father and son remained in the main hall, Li Shimin calmly said, "Your mother probably didn't just want you to dissuade me, did she?"

"Ha, nothing can be hidden from Father Emperor. My mother didn't want us to dissuade him at all. Instead, she suspected us and plotted to harm you!"

Li Chengqian smiled very frankly.

This left Li Shimin completely bewildered.

He paused for a moment, then frowned and asked, "What does this mean?"

"What else could it mean? It means that if my father dies on the Liaodong battlefield, I can smoothly succeed to the throne!"

"presumptuous!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin flew into a rage: "You rebellious son, don't even think about succeeding!"

"What?! I never even thought of that! Mother is overthinking it. How could I possibly plot against Father like that?"

Li Shimin was taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "Really not?"

"Oh no! No, I wouldn't be that stupid!"

"Then what brings you to see me?"

"Hehe~"

Li Chengqian smiled slyly, then winked and said, "I just want Father to give me 200,000 troops to play with!"

"What did you say!?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin abruptly stood up from his seat and glared angrily at Li Chengqian.

(End of this chapter)