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

Several days later, at the Crown Prince's residence, in the Jixian Garden.

On a clear autumn day, the Jixian Garden, a special venue in the Crown Prince's residence used for banquets and gatherings, was bustling with people and brimming with literary brilliance.

Although it was supposed to be a time for self-reflection behind closed doors, the literary gathering that the Crown Prince organized under the pretext of "exchanging ideas on calligraphy and painting and appreciating poetry and prose" still attracted most of the literary elites and renowned scholars in Chang'an.

The garden had already been prepared, with a winding stream and a replica of the Orchid Pavilion. Many of Li Chengqian's calligraphy and paintings, created during his recent period of "reflection," were hung around the garden, drawing gasps of admiration.

"Your Highness's painting 'Plum Blossoms Braving the Snow' is incredibly powerful. The plum branches are as strong as iron, displaying an unyielding spirit, which truly reflects Your Highness's will!"

Ouyang Xun, a scholar of the Hongwen Academy and renowned for his calligraphy, stroked his beard in admiration.

Although he is quite old, he still came today at the invitation.

"Indeed, looking at this painting, it doesn't seem like someone who is confined to his room to reflect on his mistakes; rather, it's like a dragon lurking in the abyss, poised to pounce."

Yu Shinan, who was as famous as Ouyang Xun, also nodded in agreement.

He was full of admiration for the composition and grandeur of the painting.

"Please look at His Highness's new poem, 'Autumn Thoughts,' 'Since ancient times, autumn has been associated with sorrow and loneliness, but I say that autumn days surpass even spring mornings. A crane soars into the clear sky, leading my poetic thoughts to the azure heavens.' What a magnificent spirit and vision this is!"

Cen Wenben's younger brother, Cen Wenzhao, held the poem manuscript, his face full of excitement, and recited it loudly, drawing cheers from those around him.

Besides these literary giants and young talents, there were even a few prominent figures who were not active in the public eye.

It can be said that almost all the key figures in the cultural circle of Chang'an were present.

They either appraised calligraphy and paintings, composed poems on the spot, or engaged in lively and elegant discussions in small groups, creating a warm and refined atmosphere.

Crown Prince Li Chengqian, dressed in an elegant scholar's robe, moved among the crowd with composure and ease, showing no sign of the embarrassment of being confined. Instead, it was more like a cultural feast centered around him.

The news of this literary gathering spread throughout Chang'an in less than half a day.

"boom!"

Li Tai slammed the secret report in his hand onto the table, his face ashen, his chest heaving violently with rage.

"Secluded reflection? Is this what he calls secluded reflection?!"

Li Tai almost growled through gritted teeth:
"Gathering celebrities from Chang'an, chatting and laughing, wielding brushes and ink! What on earth is he thinking?!"

"He is declaring to the whole world that even though Li Chengqian is under house arrest, he still enjoys the support of the people!"

He grew increasingly angry, pacing restlessly in his study.
"He must be plotting something! He's using this opportunity to win people's hearts, befriend civil officials, and even... he might even be secretly passing messages on! We absolutely cannot let him get so cocky!"

Liu Ji stood to the side, his brow furrowed, and advised:
"Your Highness, please calm your anger. Although the Crown Prince's actions may seem flamboyant, they are ultimately a poor choice!"

"Moreover, doesn't this just show that after he was stripped of his political rights, he could only maintain his influence in this way, which was a helpless move?"

"If His Majesty knew, he would surely be even more displeased."

"no!"

Li Tai abruptly stopped, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes:
"I cannot stand by and watch him be so arrogant! He's going to hold a literary society? Fine! I'll go too!"

"I want to see what tricks this prince, who is supposed to be reflecting on his mistakes behind closed doors, can pull in front of so many famous scholars!"

Liu Ji was startled: "Your Highness, you're going in person? This... I'm afraid it might be inappropriate. What if a conflict breaks out..."

"What are you afraid of?"

Li Tai sneered, his face once again plastered with his usual, seemingly kind smile:

"If an elder brother holds a literary gathering, what's wrong with a younger brother going to support him and listen to his teachings?"

"As for conflict... ha, as long as I speak appropriately and act in accordance with the rules, how dare Li Chengqian treat his own brother, me, in front of all the famous scholars in the world?"

He straightened his clothes, a calculating glint in his eyes:
"Prepare the carriage! To the Crown Prince's residence! I'm going to... entertain my elder brother, the Crown Prince!"

Just as the literary gathering reached its climax, with everyone immersed in reciting poems and appreciating calligraphy and painting, a slightly shrill voice of a palace attendant suddenly came from outside the garden gate:
"His Highness Prince Wei has arrived!"

This announcement, like a drop of cold water into boiling oil, instantly silenced the bustling garden.

All eyes turned to the entrance.

Li Tai, dressed in the casual attire of a prince, walked in slowly, surrounded by a group of guards and officials, with his signature slightly naive and warm smile on his face.

He was obese, but he tried his best to maintain a composed demeanor that conformed to etiquette.

"Your humble servants pay their respects to Your Highness, the King of Wei!"

Although everyone was surprised, they all stood up and bowed.

Li Chengqian stood near the main seat, looking at the uninvited Li Tai. A sharp glint of cold light flashed in his eyes, but his face showed just the right amount of surprise and a playful smile.

"Qingque? What brings you here?"

Li Chengqian spoke gently, as if he were genuinely just surprised by his younger brother's arrival.

Li Tai stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and smiled amiably:

"I have heard that my elder brother is holding a literary gathering at his residence, where many talented people, young and old, have gathered. I am filled with longing to attend."

"Knowing that you have been secluded at home recently... studying diligently, you must have gained many insights. I have come here to bother you, hoping to listen to your teachings and learn from everyone here. I hope you will not blame me for being so abrupt."

His words were impeccable, and he adopted an extremely humble posture, appearing entirely like a good younger brother who admired his elder brother's talent and was eager to learn from him.

However, who among those present wasn't a shrewd person? Who wasn't aware of the current turmoil in the court?
The King of Wei's visit at this moment could not possibly be solely for the purpose of studying.

All eyes darted between Li Chengqian and Li Tai, and a subtle tension filled the air.

Li Chengqian laughed heartily and reached out to help her up: "Qingque, what are you saying? I'm overjoyed that you could come."

"Perfect timing, everyone is here, and we brothers can learn from each other as well."

He acted extremely magnanimously, as if he didn't mind Li Tai's uninvited arrival at all, and even seemed to have forgotten the quarrel between the two.

Li Tai sneered inwardly, but his outward appearance became even more respectful:

“Brother, you are very generous. Just now, I heard someone reciting your new work, ‘Autumn Thoughts,’ outside the door. ‘A crane soars into the clear sky, leading my poetic thoughts to the azure heavens.’ It is truly full of heroic spirit, which has impressed me greatly.”

Then, he changed the subject, a perfectly timed look of doubt on his face, and raised his voice slightly to make sure everyone around could hear:

"However... I am dull-witted and do not understand."

"Brother, you should be reflecting on yourself now, so why is there no trace of introspection or self-examination in your poem? Instead, you are so... spirited?"

"Could it be that you, elder brother, have some other insights into Father's teachings?"

These words were like a venomous snake, suddenly revealing its fangs.

In an instant, Jixian Garden fell completely silent.

Everyone's hearts were in their throats, their eyes fixed on Li Chengqian, watching to see how he would respond to this sharp question.

This is practically an open provocation and an attempt to disrupt the event.

Li Chengqian's smile remained unchanged, and even became more gentle.

He gently patted Li Tai's shoulder, a gesture of affection, as if he were truly instructing his younger brother:
"Qingque, when studying and learning, the worst thing you can do is to interpret the words literally and be too rigid in your understanding of the text."

He surveyed the crowd, his voice clear and composed:
As the sage said, "The movement of Heaven is ever vigorous; so should a gentleman constantly strive for self-improvement." He also said, "When poor, one should cultivate one's own virtue; when successful, one should benefit all under Heaven."

"My brother's decision to close the door to guests is precisely in accordance with Father's teachings, to immerse myself in self-reflection and examine past gains and losses."

"However, self-reflection is not the same as despondency, and deep contemplation is not the same as decadence."

"The saying 'Autumn surpasses spring' is precisely about appreciating the vigorous movement of heaven and earth, experiencing the endless cycle of life in silence, and refining one's original aspirations in solitude."

After speaking, he turned his gaze to Li Tai, with a hint of brotherly concern and guidance:

"This 'crane soaring into the clouds' is not about being ostentatious, but about having lofty aspirations; this 'poetic sentiment reaching the azure sky' is not about being unrestrained, but about having a broad mind."

"Only by keeping this ambition in mind can I live up to my father's expectations and better serve the country in the future."

"Qingque, do you... understand?" Li Chengqian's words, full of classical allusions, subtly elevated his personal sentiments to the level of a gentleman's self-improvement and loyalty to the emperor.

Not only did she perfectly defuse Li Tai's challenge, but she also took the opportunity to reiterate her ambitions and vision, subtly putting Li Tai in a difficult position.

"Excellent! Your Highness's words are truly wise!"

"To find strength in silence and to temper one's original aspirations in solitude—this is the mark of a true gentleman!"

"Your Highness's magnanimity is truly admirable!"

Immediately, a chorus of heartfelt praises erupted within the garden.

Ouyang Xun, Yu Shinan, and other bigwigs also nodded slightly, their faces showing approval.

The smile on Li Tai's face froze instantly, and his fist, hidden in his sleeve, clenched tightly.

He had intended to embarrass Li Chengqian in public, but unexpectedly, the other party used his strength against him, making him appear petty and ignorant.

Just then, a row of servants and eunuchs came over with tea for His Highness.

Li Chengqian immediately greeted everyone: "Gentlemen, this is a new tea that I brought back from the Japanese islands. What do you think of it?"

"The tea His Highness the Crown Prince brought back must be of excellent quality!"

"Yes! We love the light tea that His Highness the Crown Prince makes!"

"Yes! That's right! Drinking light tea is more in line with the temperament of us scholars."

As soon as Li Chengqian finished speaking, a chorus of agreement erupted around him.

Soon, everyone picked up a cup of tea and began to savor it.

Li Tai, however, felt a tightness in his chest, unable to vent his anger, and could only force a smile, saying dryly:

“Your teachings are correct, brother. I have learned a lot.”

However, he was not willing to accept defeat.

He picked up a cup of tea, sipped it casually, and his gaze kept sweeping over the paintings by Li Chengqian hanging in the garden.

Suddenly, another idea came to him.

He walked up to the painting "Plum Blossoms Braving the Snow," feigning appreciation, then asked with a hint of doubt:
"Brother's painting depicts plum blossoms braving the snow, displaying unyielding spirit and astonishing grandeur."

"However... I have heard that painting is like being a person, and one must be moderate and peaceful."

"The plum blossoms in your painting are too sharp and fierce, seemingly... lacking a bit of the gentle and harmonious quality? I wonder if this is related to your usual conduct?"

He once again linked the painting style with the character, implying that Li Chengqian acted too forcefully, did not know how to be tactful, and lacked the 'moderation' that a crown prince should have.

Even the scholars around frowned slightly, feeling that King Wei's words were somewhat harsh and far-fetched.

Li Chengqian remained unperturbed.

He walked slowly to the painting, stood side by side with Li Tai, looked at the plum blossoms in the painting, and said softly:

"Does Qingque know why plum blossoms can bloom in the cold winter and defy frost and snow?"

Without waiting for Li Tai's reply, he asked and answered himself:
"It is not because it does not want to bloom with other flowers in spring, but because it is by nature, and it carries this stubbornness of not being afraid of the cold in its bones."

"Harmony and moderation are the way to conduct oneself in the world."

"However, the world also needs people with unyielding integrity and upright spirit."

"If one only seeks harmony in everything, bending when encountering snow and falling when encountering wind, how can one attain this realm of breaking through ice and blooming in anger, with subtle fragrance wafting through the air?"

After saying this, he turned his head and looked calmly at Li Tai, but his tone carried an invisible pressure:

"A ruler should have the benevolence to embrace all things, and also the steadfastness to stand firm against the current."

"Qingque... still needs to carefully consider the nuances involved."

Li Tai's face darkened completely, turning red and then white in turns.

He felt like a clown, with every attack he made being easily neutralized and then taught a lesson by his opponent.

Moreover, this happened in front of so many famous scholars, causing him to lose face completely.

Just as he was about to bite the bullet and find another fault, Li Chengqian no longer gave him the chance.

Li Chengqian looked up at the sky, then laughed loudly at the crowd:

"Today, I have benefited greatly from gathering with you all to appreciate poetry, discuss painting, and share our deepest feelings."

"The presence of the King of Wei added even more glory and allowed my brother and I to exchange knowledge and strengthen our friendship."

His words were well-chosen; they summarized the literary gathering while seemingly giving Li Tai a way out.

"It's getting late, so let's conclude today's literary gathering here. We will prepare some light wine and vegetarian food at the manor later, and we would appreciate your presence."

This means to see the guest off.

Although the scholars felt they hadn't had enough, they also noticed the awkward atmosphere between the King of Wei and the Crown Prince, and they all tactfully bowed and took their leave.

"puff--"

Just then, a strange noise shattered the harmony.

Just then, a doctor from the Imperial Academy who was about to leave suddenly turned deathly pale, opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of dark red blood. His body swayed, and then he fell straight forward.

"Dr. Zhang!"

"what happened?!"

Exclamations suddenly arose.

However, this is just the beginning.

Like a domino that had been toppled, another Hanlin scholar suddenly clutched his chest, curled up on the ground in pain, and foam came out of his mouth.

The third, fourth...

Within a few short breaths, seven or eight scholars reacted violently.

Some vomited incessantly, some convulsed and fainted, and some clutched their abdomens, howling and rolling around in agony.

Although the symptoms differ slightly, they all come on extremely suddenly and violently.

The elegant and harmonious Jixian Garden, which was just moments before, has instantly become a scene of utter devastation, like a living hell.

Exclamations, wails, vomiting, and the sound of breaking dishes filled the air.

"what--!"

Some timid scholars turned pale with fright and retreated repeatedly, creating a scene of extreme chaos.

what happened?

Li Chengqian's face darkened, and he couldn't help but turn to look at Li Tai.

"Uh……"

Li Tai groaned, his fat face instantly losing all color, and cold sweat poured down his back.

He clutched his stomach, feeling as if his internal organs were being twisted together. Then, with eyes filled with fear and rage, he stared intently at Li Chengqian and screamed at the top of his lungs:

"Li Chengqian! How cruel you are! You dare...you dare to poison the tea and snacks?!"

"You want to wipe us all out?! You won't even spare my own brother?!"

Wow!
These words shocked the entire audience! (End of Chapter)