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

Chapter 328 Anyone who dares to provoke the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty will be killed without mercy! [Seeking monthly votes]

Li Shimin murdered his brothers and forced his father to abdicate; he spent almost his entire life trying to atone for his sins.

Even though he established the unprecedented Zhenguan era of prosperity, the bad precedent he set for the Tang Dynasty led to a bloody reign of terror that plagued the entire dynasty.

Therefore, the founding emperors after the Tang Dynasty tried their best to avoid such a thing from happening.

To prevent such incidents from happening, they restricted the power to confer titles of kings from the very beginning of the dynasty. As a result, for hundreds of years after Li Shimin, apart from Zhu Yuanzhang, there were almost no successful cases of kings being conferred titles and rebelling.

Of course, in addition to limiting the power to confer titles of kings, there were also moral regulations. Even if you succeeded in rebelling, if you were branded as a traitor for murdering the emperor and his relatives, you would be regarded as a rebellious subject.

This is also why, even after Zhu Yuanzhang's rebellion succeeded, he dared not admit that he had killed Zhu Yunwen. Instead, he created a mystery of Zhu Yunwen's disappearance, leaving the world to speculate and study.

This shows that almost no one dares to bear the infamy of regicide and patricide, not even the supreme emperor.

Faced with Li Tai's 'threat', Li Chengqian just smiled coldly, as if he didn't take it to heart at all.

He slowly raised his right hand and waved it gently. The Imperial Guards around him immediately put away their weapons, but their eyes remained warily fixed on the Goguryeo envoys.

"King Yue, you have quite the nerve. If I were to really kill you, I'm afraid my father would be furious and heartbroken!" Li Chengqian said jokingly.

Upon hearing this, Li Tai felt a sense of relief.

In fact, he knew very well that the reason he was able to stand up to Li Chengqian here was not only because Li Chengqian didn't dare to kill him, but also because he held the upper hand.

What is the trend?

What the people want!
The Tang Dynasty has just ended its war against the Eastern Turks, and now it is going to launch another war against Goguryeo. This is definitely not what the people want!
Because in any war, a lot of people will die.

The common people naturally did not want their loved ones to die on the battlefield.

Therefore, the people will surely stand on the path of yearning for peace, just like him.

Why was Li Chengqian able to maintain his position as crown prince? Besides his extraordinary abilities and status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife, he also had the support of the people!

Over the years, Li Chengqian has continuously deepened reforms and made use of newspapers to enhance public awareness of him.

To put it bluntly, it's about winning over the hearts and minds of the people.

If Li Chengqian could win the hearts of the people, why couldn't I?

As long as you have the support of the people, anything is possible!
Li Tai knew this perfectly well and naturally wouldn't let such an opportunity slip by.

But then he coldly questioned Li Chengqian, "Isn't the Crown Prince afraid of Father Emperor's wrath for doing this?"

"I have always been devoted to the country and its people, so why does Father blame me?" Li Chengqian asked in bewilderment.

"What a joke! You refuse peace talks with Goguryeo and are determined to start a war, all for the sake of the country and its people?"

Li Tai scoffed, "Do you know how many people died in the four campaigns against Goguryeo during the Sui Dynasty?"

"This"

Those around him were startled by what they heard.

Although most of them didn't know much about this King of Yue, they were all deeply impressed by Li Tai's words.

As Li Tai said, both the Tang people of today and the Sui people of the past felt an indescribable pain from the conquest of Goguryeo.

There was a time when they also hated Goguryeo's rudeness, arrogance, and conceit. But when their loved ones died one by one on the Goguryeo battlefield, they suddenly realized that the price of hatred was so terrible.

If the war could be stopped, their loved ones would not be gone forever.

If they could stop the war, they wouldn't be weeping while looking towards Liaodong.

If war could be stopped
"Your Highness! Please prioritize the well-being of the people!"

"Your Highness! We want peace!"

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Wow!
As Li Tai finished speaking, the surrounding people and students knelt down and begged Li Chengqian.

The Goguryeo envoys, including Kim Jae-cheon, who were watching from the side, were all overjoyed.

Their plan would succeed as long as the Tang Dynasty agreed to peaceful coexistence with Goguryeo.

But Li Chengqian remained unmoved by the pleas and entreaties around him.

He said calmly, "King of Yue, you are wrong."

"Humph!"

Li Tai snorted coldly, then said disdainfully, "If preventing a war and saving the people from the ravages of war is wrong, then I would rather be wrong to the very end!"

"Excellent! Your Highness, the Prince of Yue, is right!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yuan immediately echoed loudly.

The other scholars of the Yuewen Academy, including Pei Qian and Zhang Wenguan, also echoed Li Tai's sentiments.

"His Highness the King of Yue is benevolent!"

"His Highness the Prince of Yue is truly a wise and virtuous king of our Great Tang Dynasty, dedicated to the country and its people!"

Hearing these praises, Li Tai's confidence soared.

Clearly, the persona he cultivated for himself as someone who "serves the country and its people" was now fully formed.

But Li Chengqian's next words caused the persona he had just built to collapse instantly.

But Li Chengqian calmly replied, "My obstruction of the Goguryeo peace talks was not out of a desire to start a war, but because I know that the Goguryeo peace talks are a sham, and they are not genuinely seeking peace."

"You bullshit!"

Upon hearing this, Li Tai immediately retorted angrily, "Kim Jae-cheon and the others have clearly expressed Goguryeo's sincerity. What makes you say that this is not a genuine plea for peace?"

"If they truly sought peace, why did they provoke our Great Tang time and again? And why did they bring up the Jingguan (a mound of corpses) of the Han people from the former Sui Dynasty? If they truly sought peace, what was the meaning of this literary contest for marriage? If we cannot answer those questions, does the King of Yue know what it means? Furthermore, why did they only retreat twenty li, pay tribute for ten years, and refrain from fighting? Does the King of Yue truly understand?"

"I"

Li Tai was dumbfounded and at a loss when Li Chengqian asked him these questions.

Clearly, he didn't delve into the conditions proposed by Kim Jae-cheon at all; he simply felt that Goguryeo's initiative to seek peace was a great thing for the Tang Dynasty.

Li Chengqian, however, did not think so.

But he continued in a stern voice, "Don't you even use your brain? Goguryeo launched a surprise attack on our Great Tang first, and then sent people to sue for peace. Isn't this testing the bottom line of our Great Tang? If our Great Tang gives up revenge on them for the sake of temporary interests, what will they do?"

"I'm telling you, they'll take advantage of this!"

"Ten years is just enough time for them to annex Silla and even Baekje. Once they have fully absorbed the power of Silla and Baekje, they can once again become enemies of our Great Tang."

"When that time comes, think about it. How powerful Goguryeo was? Probably no weaker than the Eastern Turks back then, right?"

He paused, then looked coldly at Li Tai and rebuked him sharply: "King Yue, because of a moment of womanly compassion, caused the country and its people to suffer a catastrophic disaster. How dare you say you are acting for the country and its people?!"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar!

Chaos, utter chaos, as if the situation was about to spiral out of control.

Some people, as if they had been stepped on, launched into a frenzy of insults.

For some, it was like a sudden enlightenment, a moment of clarity and understanding.

"This, how is this possible?"

Li Tai stared at Li Chengqian in disbelief, suddenly feeling like his brain wasn't working properly.

The Goguryeo envoys, including Kim Jae-cheon, were also deathly pale and trembling.

They all seemed surprised that Li Chengqian would be so perceptive in seeing through their intentions.

But they obviously won't admit this fact.

But Kim Jae-cheon quickly defended himself, saying, "Your Highness, you misunderstand. Goguryeo has no such ambition. We are powerless to fight against the Tang Dynasty. Our conquest of Silla is only to recover lost territory. We have no intention of annexing Silla."

"As for Baekje, that's even more impossible. They are our allies! We would never betray them!"

"That's why we were willing to put forward those conditions in exchange for peace between the two countries!"

"Really?"

Li Chengqian smiled slightly: "Then I would like to ask you, what will you do if the Tang Dynasty does not accept your conditions?"

"this."

Kim Jae-cheon was speechless again.

At this moment, Zhang Wenguan, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up: "Your Highness, I believe that your deduction is only a possibility. But to start a war for this possibility would undoubtedly be a disaster for the people. If we can avoid war through peace talks, then it would definitely be a good thing for the people."

"As for your concerns, there are actually many ways to avoid them."

"Wen Guan is mistaken!"

Before Zhang Wenguan could finish speaking, Li Chengqian shook his head and interrupted him: "War is indeed a disaster, but sometimes, war is also a way to solve problems. If Goguryeo really wants peace, then they should show enough sincerity. Instead, they are testing the bottom line of our Great Tang like this."

"this."

Zhang Wenguan hesitated for a moment, then spoke again: "I wonder what kind of sincerity Your Highness desires from Goguryeo?"

"It's simple! I want the heads of those Goguryeo generals who launched a surprise attack on my Great Tang!"

Li Chengqian said coldly, "Only when they are dead can I believe that Goguryeo is truly seeking peace with my Great Tang."

"After all, our Great Tang has always upheld the principle of 'a life for a life,' a matter of course!" "They led their soldiers to kill so many of our Great Tang's border people; shouldn't they pay for their crimes in blood?"

Boom!

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience was shocked again.

Upon hearing this, the Goguryeo envoys, including Kim Jae-cheon, all changed their expressions drastically.

It should be noted that the Goguryeo generals who launched the surprise attack on the Tang Dynasty were all leaders of the five tribes of Goguryeo, and their status in Goguryeo was second only to Yeon Gaesomun. To want their heads was nothing short of a pipe dream.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Wenguan was also taken aback, as he had not expected Li Chengqian to propose such harsh conditions.

This left him momentarily at a loss, unsure how to respond.

However, at this moment, Li Chengqian turned his gaze to Kim Jae-cheon and the other Goguryeo envoys, and said indifferently, "If you agree to this condition, I will agree to your condition. If you do not agree, I do not want to waste time with you, and I will use you as a sacrifice for my flag."

After saying this, he slowly raised his hand.

The Imperial Guards around them immediately raised their weapons, ready to unleash a massacre.

As for the Tang people who were watching, they all retreated to the side, fearing that they would be mistakenly killed.

Only Li Tai and Zhang Wenguan remained standing beside the Goguryeo envoys, including Jin Zaiquan.

"What, is the King of Yue really not afraid of death?"

Li Chengqian asked Li Tai in an icy tone, his whole body radiating murderous intent.

Li Tai subconsciously swallowed, then turned to look at Zhang Wenguan beside him.

Zhang Wenguan frowned slightly, then calmly looked directly at Li Chengqian and said resolutely, "No matter what, they are envoys of a country. Your Highness has no right to kill them without the Emperor's order!"

“That’s right! Without Father’s order, what right do you have to kill them!” Upon hearing this, Li Tai’s spirits immediately lifted.

However, just as he finished speaking, a sudden and familiar voice rang out: "Those who offend our Great Tang, though far away, shall be punished! Goguryeo has attacked our borders, killed our people, and invaded neighboring countries. Now they have sent envoys to humiliate our Great Tang. We must punish them!"

Upon hearing this, the entire audience was stunned.

Even Li Chengqian was somewhat surprised, wondering why he had come.

"I will see you, Your Majesty!"

Some sharp-eyed officials noticed Li Shimin's arrival immediately and knelt down to pay their respects.

Immediately afterwards, the surrounding people and students all bowed to Li Shimin.

"My son, please see your father!"

Li Chengqian and Li Tai exchanged a glance and quickly bowed to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin looked at them with a complicated expression, opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.

Although Li Tai's considerations were indeed inadequate, I still greatly admire Li Tai's "sincere heart for the country and the people".

It can be said that Li Tai's performance did not disappoint his father.

As for Li Chengqian, although he was very thoughtful, he did not like Li Chengqian's domineering nature.

Therefore, he decided to first give Li Chengqian a warning, so that Li Chengqian would know that he was the emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

"Chengqian, do you know that what you have done today is extremely disrespectful?"

Li Shimin's voice carried an undisguised air of authority and coldness: "You are the Crown Prince, but you do not yet represent the Tang Dynasty, do you understand?"

"My son."

Li Chengqian was startled and couldn't help but look up at Li Shimin.

Li Shimin stared at him with piercing eyes, showing no sign of weakness, like a majestic lion displaying its power, not allowing anyone to infringe upon its territory.

He knew that Li Shimin was a man who cared a lot about his reputation, and that he would not easily compromise with him in front of so many people.

After a brief silence, he seized the opportunity to offer Li Shimin a way out: "Father, I did not mean to disrespect you. It is just that if the matter of Goguryeo is not handled properly, I fear it could lead to a great disaster."

"Humph!"

Li Shimin snorted coldly, still insisting, "Even so, you shouldn't have turned your sword against your brother!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I know I was wrong, and I am willing to accept the punishment!"

"you"

When Li Shimin first saw Li Chengqian admit his mistake in front of him, he was at a loss for how to respond.

An eerie silence fell over the scene.

It wasn't until Changsun Wuji cautiously stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, even if the Crown Prince has made a mistake, it was for the sake of the country and the people. Please forgive the Crown Prince's disrespect!"

“Yes, Your Majesty, the Crown Prince had no intention of harming the Prince of Yue. Please understand, Your Majesty,” Li Jing echoed.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin frowned, then softened his expression and warned in a deep voice, "Chengqian, no matter what your reasons are, you must be kind to your brothers. Even if you become emperor in the future, you must treat your brothers and sisters well, otherwise, I will never tolerate you!"

"My son understands."

Li Chengqian lowered his head and answered respectfully.

Li Shimin then turned his gaze to the Goguryeo envoys and said calmly and authoritatively, "I ask you, is what the Crown Prince just said true?"

"this."

Gao Chengjiu hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Jin Zaiquan and then at Gao Huizhen, and said helplessly, "Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty, this is indeed Yeon Gaesomun's plan!"

"So, your so-called peace talks are actually a complete conspiracy?"

Li Shimin's voice grew increasingly cold as he pressed on.

Upon hearing this, Gao Chengjiu pondered for a moment before immediately distancing himself from Kim Jae-cheon, saying, "I dare not deceive His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Tang. Kim Jae-cheon represents Yeon Gaesomun, and this foreign minister represents the King of Goguryeo. What my king has always wanted is to coexist peacefully with the Great Tang. However, Yeon Gaesomun controls the government and acts unilaterally, leaving my king with no choice but to accept it!"

"Oh? You mean, Goguryeo is currently ruled by treacherous officials, right?"

"Uh, yes, that's right."

"In that case, there is no reason for our Great Tang to sit idly by any longer!"

Li Shimin immediately ordered, "Men, drag Jin Zaiquan away and execute him on the spot!"

Upon hearing this, Jin Zaiquan was greatly surprised and quickly said, "Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty, please wait!"

Li Shimin narrowed his eyes, then turned to look at Jin Zaiquan and said coldly, "What else do you have to say?"

Jin Zaiquan took a deep breath, suppressing the panic in his heart, and said, "I know that no matter how I explain, you will not believe Lord Yuan, but the Crown Prince of the Great Tang once promised me that I could gamble with my life, and now I will gamble with my life with him!"

"What!?"

Everyone was shocked when they heard this.

But then Yuchi Gong, standing behind Li Shimin, angrily said, "What is your status? What is His Highness the Crown Prince's status? You think you're worthy to gamble your life with His Highness the Crown Prince?"

“That’s right, just a piece of trash, you don’t even deserve it?” Cheng Yaojin chimed in.

But Jin Zaiquan persisted, saying, "My knowledge of Central Plains culture is limited, but I know that you Han people have a saying: 'A promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold!'"

"Does the Crown Prince of the Great Tang Dynasty have to break his promise in front of everyone?"

"This"

Upon hearing this, Yuchi Gong and Cheng Yaojin were speechless and turned to look at Li Shimin.

Li Shimin remained expressionless and silent, seemingly waiting for Li Chengqian to make a decision.

Li Tai, who was not far away, was overjoyed and extremely excited.

If Li Chengqian agrees to gamble his life with Jin Zaiquan, and if he fails, even if he doesn't die from the bet, he will be disgraced.

If Li Chengqian does not agree to gamble his life with Jin Zaiquan, he will also lose his reputation.

It can be said that Li Chengqian has shot himself in the foot this time.

Li Chengqian smiled slightly and then said to Jin Zaiquan, "Do you want to make this bet with me? Fine, I'll give you the chance!"

"Your Highness the Crown Prince—!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tie, Pei Xingjian, and the others from the Academy of Sciences rushed forward to try and stop Li Chengqian.

But Li Chengqian raised his hand to stop him.

Then he abruptly changed the subject: "However, if you lose, not only will you die, but all of you will die!"

After speaking, he raised his finger and pointed at Gao Chengjiu, Gao Huizhen and her father, and others.

"Your Highness, we are not on the same side as Kim Jae-cheon!" Go Seung-gu quickly explained, "We are the King of Goguryeo."

"I don't care who you are on my side, anyone who dares to provoke the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty will be killed without mercy!"

Before Gao Chengjiu could finish explaining, Li Chengqian interrupted him coldly.

Upon hearing this, everyone, including Li Shimin and Li Tai, changed their expressions.

But Kim Jae-cheon suddenly threw his head back and laughed loudly: "Good, good, good! If we're going to die, we'll die together! I accept this bet!"

(End of this chapter)