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

Chapter 382 A Big Gift for You! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

"Zanpu, he said he's going back to Chang'an to kill someone? Could it be that he's going to kill his brother?"

After watching Li Chengqian leave with the Black Armor Guards, Sangbuza and other Tibetan ministers came to Songtsen Gampo's side.

Songtsen Gampo narrowed his eyes, pondered for a moment, then looked at Hegan Chengji and frowned, asking, "What is the relationship between your Tang Dynasty emperor and crown prince?"

"this."

Hegan Chengji glanced at Lu Dongzan, then hesitated slightly before saying, "It's said to be not very good."

"Oh?" Songtsen Gampo raised an eyebrow, immediately becoming interested: "What's wrong? Tell me in detail!"

"Your Majesty, the information I have may not be accurate; much of it is hearsay."

"It's alright! Tell me everything you know, and I, the king, will send people to investigate whether it's true or not!"

"Yes!"

Seeing that Songtsen Gampo was very serious about Li Chengqian's matter, Hegan Chengji dared not hide anything and immediately told Songtsen Gampo all the information he knew from his time in the aristocratic circles of Chang'an.

Songtsen Gampo was stunned by what he heard, and even Gar Tongtsen Yulsung, who had been to the Tang Dynasty, was shocked by the news of Hegan Chengji.

He never imagined that Li Shimin would dislike Li Chengqian so much.

No wonder Li Chengqian and Li Shimin clashed so many times at the Double Ninth Festival banquet that night; it turns out everything was foreshadowed!
But then Songtsen Gampo suddenly laughed and said, "Interesting! Very interesting indeed! Who would have thought that the arrogant Heavenly Khan couldn't even educate his own son!"

"It seems that Li Chengqian's return to Chang'an this time is to set things right. Perhaps, the Xuanwu Gate Incident of your Tang Dynasty will be repeated!"

"No, actually I heard that the Xuanwu Gate Incident has already happened again. And it was Li Chengqian who orchestrated it!"

"What!?"

This surprised not only Gar Tongtsen and his men, but also Songtsen Gampo.

What's going on?
Were coups in the Tang Dynasty so traditional?

How come it's more frequent than in our highland tribes and grassland tribes?
It must be said that Hegan Chengji's answer shocked all the Tibetan nobles for a whole year.

It wasn't until a very imposing Tibetan general standing next to Songtsen Gampo suddenly spoke that everyone snapped out of their shock.

"Since Li Chengqian is going back to Chang'an, why don't we take advantage of his absence to annex Tuyuhun?"

"Ok?"

Upon hearing the general's words, everyone was slightly taken aback.

Lu Dongzan hurriedly said, "General Shangnang! This is absolutely unacceptable! The Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty is notoriously vengeful! If we suddenly launch an attack on the Tang Dynasty, they will retaliate tenfold or even dozens of times over! This is not a good idea!"

"Hmph! We already know he's going to war against us, why bother? Let's take advantage of the situation first!" Shang Nang scoffed dismissively.

"That's right! I also think we should strike first! While the Tang Crown Prince is away from Tuyuhun, let's take Tuyuhun first!"

"Yes! Even if the Crown Prince of Tang returns, he won't attack Tibet directly. Instead, he'll first drive Tuyuhun back! That way, we'll have plenty of time to recruit soldiers and even absorb the resources plundered from Tuyuhun to resist Tang!"

"Yes, yes, that makes sense!"

As soon as Shangnang finished speaking, many Tibetan ministers around him immediately echoed his words.

Songtsen Gampo, however, never expressed his opinion.

Although Li Chengqian's sudden return to Chang'an was indeed good news for Tibet, as Gar Tongtsen said, this crown prince Li Chengqian was no ordinary person.

What if his return to Chang'an is a ruse to lure the Tibetans into attacking? Wouldn't that be falling right into his trap?
To be on the safe side, it is not advisable to act rashly at this time.

After a brief silence, Songtsen Gampo turned his gaze to Hegan Chengji, frowning as he asked, "Do you think Li Chengqian would dare to kill Li Ke?"

".this"

He Gan Chengji hesitated again, then said uncertainly, "When Li Chengqian was in Chang'an, he killed many people, including those from powerful families, but I think it's unlikely that he would kill his own brother."

"Why?"

"Because Li Shimin would absolutely not allow such a thing to happen!"

"Yeah, I think so too."

Sangbuza chimed in, "Li Shimin seized the throne by killing his brothers. He would never allow his son to follow the same path. If Li Chengqian dares to do so, his position as crown prince will certainly be in jeopardy!"

"However, I find this Crown Prince of Tang to be very resolute! He doesn't seem to be lying."

Songtsen Gampo pondered for a moment and said.

The Tibetan officials exchanged glances, but Lu Dongzan spoke first: "Li Chengqian is an extremely domineering man. I still remember that at the Double Ninth Festival banquet in Chang'an, he killed tens of thousands of aristocratic young men in front of Li Shimin."

"If he's really determined to do this, I doubt anyone can stop him!"

"So, their falling out was inevitable?"

Songtsen Gampo's eyes lit up.

The Tibetan officials were also overjoyed.

If Li Chengqian and Li Shimin really broke ties, it would undoubtedly be a disaster for the Tang Dynasty, but for them it would be great news.

Because they can use this time to develop themselves and strengthen their power.

When the Tang Dynasty falls into chaos, then send troops to plunder its various resources.

It’s just too beautiful.

However, just as the Tibetan officials were filled with anticipation, a weak and feeble voice suddenly rang out: "Zanpu, save me!"

Upon hearing the faint call, Songtsen Gampo realized that Princess Guanghua had been shot. He immediately said, "Someone! Quickly take Princess Guanghua down to treat her! She is our benefactor, who single-handedly repelled the Tang army!"

"Hehehe"

Upon hearing this, the Tibetan officials burst into laughter.

Dayan Mangjiebo, who was bound, was filled with grief and indignation, and kept crying blood.

Once upon a time, he was the high and mighty crown prince of Tuyuhun, but unexpectedly, in just a few months, he became a prisoner.

He couldn't even protect his own mother.
"Your Highness, are you really going to do this?"

On the way back to Hunzhou City, Su Dingfang hesitated several times before speaking.

He didn't speak until they were almost at Hunzhou City, but he only said half of it before stopping.

Li Chengqian looked at him with amusement: "You've been holding it in the whole way, aren't you uncomfortable?"

"No, I just feel that the Prince of Shu is, after all, your younger brother. Killing one's own brother is never a good thing, and His Majesty would definitely not agree to it!"

After being teased by Li Chengqian, Su Dingfang finally revealed his thoughts.

But Li Chengqian calmly shook his head and said, "Some things are not as simple as you think. The bottom line that Li Ke should never have crossed is my mother!"

In fact, Li Chengqian still doesn't understand why Changsun Wuji's hatred for Li Ke is so great.

Even though Li Ke was once considered by Li Shimin as a candidate for crown prince, the ultimate victors were still Changsun Wuji and Li Zhi.

Logically speaking, from the perspective of the victor, Changsun Wuji would not be so wary of a loser.

Unless, during this process, Li Ke did something that aroused Changsun Wuji's murderous intent.

Or perhaps the two of them had some deep-seated hatred for each other.

It's worth noting that in all the historical records about the Li Tang dynasty, there is very little mention of Li Ke's struggle for the throne.

Even more bizarrely, historical records about Li Ke present vastly different accounts.

Firstly, Li Ke was impeached by the censor for riding his horse recklessly and trampling on the crops of the people in Shu, which clearly portrayed him as a spoiled brat.

Secondly, Li Ke suddenly transformed into a wise king who governed the Shu region.

The contrast between the two is quite significant.

Even in the Old Book of Tang, Li Ke was portrayed as a representative of those who were wronged and persecuted.

But what's most puzzling is Emperor Gaozong of Tang's attitude towards him.

Although Changsun Wuji was exonerated immediately after his death, he was not fully exonerated until several decades later.

If he was truly a person who did not contend with the world, why did Li Zhi treat him this way?

Therefore, in Li Chengqian's view, there are many doubts about Li Ke's historical record.

It's impossible that they truly had no ulterior motives regarding the throne.

But no matter what suspicions he may have, what he's doing now will not make Li Chengqian let him off easily.

"Imagine if someone wanted to kill your mother, could you tolerate it?"

Seeing that Su Dingfang had fallen silent, Li Chengqian asked another question in a low voice.

"I"

Su Dingfang opened his mouth, but finally answered in a muffled voice, "If anyone hurts my mother, I will kill him!"

“That’s right! It’s only human nature!” Li Chengqian shrugged. “Although I am the Crown Prince, I am also a son of a man. If a person cannot even protect his own parents, can he still be considered a human being?”

"But what about His Majesty?"

"Don't worry about him!"

Li Chengqian waved his hand to interrupt Su Dingfang, then glanced back and frowned, saying, "Compared to him, I'm more concerned about Tibet right now!"

"Does Your Highness mean that they will launch an attack on us while you are away?" Su Dingfang immediately came to his senses.

Li Chengqian shook his head and said, "I'm not too worried about that. If they dare to come, let them. What I'm worried about is that while I'm away, they might unite with neighboring forces to attack our Great Tang!"

"Actually, there's more than just Tibet on this side. There's also the Xiangxiong Kingdom, the Yangdong, and other large tribes. If we're only dealing with Tibet, I'm 50% confident. But if we add these other messy forces, I'm not even 30% confident."

"You should know that the high-altitude climate here in Tibet is truly deadly and unsuitable for prolonged warfare!"

"And the armies of those highland tribes often appear and disappear in small, elusive groups. Even in a war of attrition, we would be worn down by them."

“Yes, this is indeed a difficult point. We cannot allow Tibet to unite with other countries and tribes to fight against a common enemy!” Su Dingfang nodded solemnly.

Li Chengqian glanced at him, then at Hunzhou City ahead, and said calmly and unequivocally, "I will arrange everything before I return to Chang'an. As long as you do as I say, there shouldn't be any major problems."

"Also, there's one more thing. Be careful of Hou Junji. I always feel that there's something wrong with that old guy."

"this."

Su Dingfang was surprised for a moment, then nodded heavily: "Your subject understands."

"Report——!"

Just as Li Chengqian and his companion were about to enter Hunzhou City, a cavalryman rode up and loudly reported, "Your Highness, His Majesty has issued an edict summoning you back to Chang'an!"

Upon hearing this report, Li Chengqian and Su Dingfang instinctively exchanged glances, looking at each other in bewilderment.

Meanwhile, there was a post station less than ten miles from Chang'an.

Li Ke and his entourage were discreetly entering the post station.

"Your Highness, I'll go arrange the rooms. Please wait outside for a moment!" Cheng Huailiang dismounted as soon as he entered the post station and bowed to Li Ke.

Li Ke smiled and nodded, saying, "Then I'll have to trouble Huailiang!"

“Hey, Third Brother! Why are you being so polite with Huailiang? We, the Five Tigers and the One Tai Sui, are going to reunite in Chang’an again. I’m so excited just thinking about it!” Chai Zhewei interjected, gesturing wildly.

Li Ke shook his head helplessly and said, "We're not going back to Chang'an for fun. Have you forgotten about the smallpox plague in Chang'an?"

“Oh right! If Third Brother hadn’t mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten. Was the smallpox epidemic in Chang’an really that serious?” Chai Zhewei said, as if he had just realized something.

Li Ke frowned and said thoughtfully, "According to the news from Brother Yin, it is indeed very serious, but you don't need to worry. I have had Brother Yin take all the people in your residence to a safe place. No one has been infected with smallpox!"

"That's good. Third Brother is so thoughtful. Otherwise, our family would have been in trouble!"

After saying this, Chai Zhewei seemed to remember something else and said indignantly, "Even though Third Brother is so outstanding, His Majesty still sent the Crown Prince back to Chang'an. Doesn't he want to fight a war? Let him fight. With Third Brother in charge of Chang'an, isn't it the same?"

"Zhewei, be careful with your words!"

Li Ke's expression suddenly turned serious. He then turned and glanced around, making sure no suspicious people were passing by, before whispering a warning: "This is already Chang'an territory. Be careful of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's spies."

"Oh, Third Brother, what are you afraid of him for! With His Majesty here, I don't believe he would dare to do anything to you!" Chai Zhewei said dismissively, then looked at Wu Bing beside him and said with a smile, "Brother Wu, Third Brother was able to return to Chang'an this time thanks to your idea. A talent like yours should serve the court!"

"Young Master Chai, you flatter me. I am but a commoner in the martial world, hardly worthy of such a refined audience. This is but a trivial matter, not worth mentioning!"

Wu Bing replied to Chai Zhewei with great humility.

Chai Zhewei didn't say much to him, then turned to Li Ke and said, "Third Brother, I'll go check on the charcoal and food at the post station. Tonight, we'll drink until we drop!"

"it is good!"

Li Ke smiled and responded, then watched Chai Zhewei ride away.

As soon as he disappeared from his sight, the smile on Li Ke's face gradually disappeared, replaced by a gloomy expression: "What do you think of my father's summons of Li Chengqian back to Chang'an?"

"This was expected and is not surprising."

Wu Bing replied calmly, "In fact, our plan is to let him return to Chang'an alone."

"What do you mean?"

Do you remember the assassination attempt on Li You?

Li Ke was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "You mean, you did it?"

"I suppose so, but it's not part of our plan; it's for someone else!"

"Who?"

"Yin Zhihong!"

"Why is it him?"

Upon hearing this, Li Ke was immediately stunned.

He never imagined that Yin Zhihong would orchestrate Li You's assassination.

You should know that Li You is his own nephew.

Their only hope, the Yin family, is probably Li You.

How could he bear to let Li You take such a risk?!

But Wu Bing said calmly, "At first, I was also puzzled as to why Yin Zhihong did this. But after he did it, I realized that his purpose was to plant a thorn in Li Shimin's heart!"

Whether Li Shimin believed it or not, this thorn would be driven deeper and deeper as Li Chengqian pressed on.

"do you understand?"

"Humph!"

Upon hearing this, Li Ke couldn't help but snort coldly, then frowned and said, "Hasn't your cooperation with the Yin family been going on for a long time? What, did Yin Zhihong do so much just to plant a thorn in my father's side? He even almost lost his own nephew's life!"

“No, that’s not it. Yin Zhihong has great ambitions, but we don’t think he will succeed. So, the cooperation is only superficial and hasn’t gone too deep,” Wu Bing said, shaking his head.

"Ah!"

Li Ke sneered, then said in a deep voice, "So, you're cooperating with me because you think I can succeed?"

"I guess so, but it's only slightly more likely than Yin Zhihong's chances!"

"Is it just a little bigger?"

Li Ke murmured for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Why do you want Li Chengqian to return to Chang'an?"

"To verify his true identity."

Wu Bing gave a vague answer.

Li Ke looked at him with a puzzled expression.

But he didn't continue on that topic. Instead, he changed the subject, saying, "Remember what I told you before? If you return to Chang'an, we'll give you a big gift!"

"What kind of gift?"

Li Ke narrowed his eyes.

Wu Bing calmly took out a card and handed it to him, saying, "The people listed here can all be at your disposal!"

Li Ke paused for a moment, then took the invitation from Wu Bing and slowly unfolded it.

Immediately afterward, his pupils contracted sharply, and he exclaimed in utter astonishment, "How is this possible?! They aren't..."

"Yes! You read that right, this is the foundation of my Shouchuro!"

Wu Bing said calmly and confidently, "There must be a reason why we have existed for so many years. Many people think that we are just a Jianghu assassin organization, but that is just a facade. In fact, since the end of the Han Dynasty, we have been deeply involved in the imperial court. Otherwise, we would not have been able to exist for so many years."

"I know you have connections with the Five Clans and Seven Families, but what about the Guanlong aristocracy?"

"As I just said, what you see is only the surface, what we want you to see. In reality, during every period of chaos and division, we secretly place our bets; whoever succeeds, we'll have a share."

"And the Li Tang dynasty."

At this point, Wu Bing paused, then added meaningfully, "It is one of them."

"Since the Li Tang dynasty is one of your bets, why are you causing trouble?"

"Because our garrison commander discovered that someone is trying to defy fate!"

"What does this mean?"

"Excuse my bluntness, but I have no comment!"

Li Ke fell silent immediately.

Although he didn't know Shouchulang's true purpose, if he could really use this list, perhaps he could achieve great things.

"Very well! If I succeed, I will not let you down!"

(End of this chapter)