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

The investigation into the Crown Prince's residence is still proceeding intensively.

Pei Xingjian personally led a team to search the entire mansion from top to bottom, leaving no stone unturned.

Finally, as dusk approached, a member of the Imperial Guard searching the back alley of the kitchen and the garbage dump area sounded an urgent whistle.

"Sir! We've made a discovery here!"

Pei Xingjian immediately led his men to the scene. There, nestled among piles of rotten vegetable leaves and coal ash, lay a corpse dressed in the clothes of a low-ranking servant in the Crown Prince's residence.

The body was bluish-purple in color, with dried dark red bloodstains around the mouth and nose, and some white foam remaining at the corners of the mouth, clearly indicating that the person had committed suicide by poisoning.

After identification, the person was confirmed to be a kitchen helper responsible for cleaning and moving things.

"This was found on him."

An Imperial Guard handed over a small packet wrapped in oiled paper, containing a small amount of residual pale yellow powder with a pungent odor.

Medical researchers who arrived later identified the substance as being consistent with the mixed toxins added to the pastry.

In addition, several gold ingots of unknown origin, weighing about fifty taels, were found under his bed.

"Your Highness, this is the situation."

Pei Xingjian reported to Li Chengqian with a solemn expression:
“Zhang Qi joined the household last year. He was usually quiet and reserved, and was in charge of kitchen chores, which gave him the opportunity to come into contact with food. Poison residue and gold cakes of unknown origin were found on him. He had already died by poisoning when he was discovered.”

"Based on preliminary assessments, he was the one who poisoned the food, and committed suicide out of fear of punishment after his crime was discovered."

Li Chengqian listened to the report without much surprise on his face, as if he had expected this outcome.

He hesitated for a moment, then said in a cold voice:
"Dead men tell no tales? Hmph, how clean and efficient."

"Keep investigating! Investigate Zhang Qi's background. When and by whom did he enter the manor? Who did he associate with before and after entering? Where did these gold ingots come from? Find out the truth for me!"

Even if he dies, I will drag out the shadow behind him!

"Yes!"

Pei Xingjian accepted the order, knowing that His Highness did not intend to close the case here, but rather to investigate it further.

Li Chengqian then turned to Laifu, who had been waiting to the side:

"Laifu, you personally lead the men, prepare generous gifts, and safely escort all the gentlemen and officials who were frightened today back to their residences."

"I extend my sincere apologies on your behalf. Tell them that treacherous officials have infiltrated our household and disturbed our distinguished guests. I will punish them severely without leniency and will visit you again another day to apologize."

"Old slave understands."

Lai Fu bowed and agreed, and immediately went to arrange the vehicles and gifts.

After dealing with these matters, Li Chengqian turned his gaze to the quiet room where Li Tai was temporarily recuperating, a hint of impatience and coldness flashing in his eyes.

He stepped over.

Inside the quiet room, Li Tai was leaning against the couch, his face still a little pale, but his spirits had recovered considerably.

Upon seeing Li Chengqian enter, his eyes immediately flashed with resentment and malice.

"Check it out?"

Li Tai's voice was hoarse and laced with sarcasm:

"Which 'spy' is it this time? Li Chengqian, when did the threshold of your Crown Prince's residence become so low? Let any kind of monsters and demons sneak in?"

"Or is it that... you are simply incompetent in managing your subordinates and lax in governing the government?!"

Li Chengqian looked at him expressionlessly and simply stated the investigation results:
"The poisoner has committed suicide out of fear of punishment. He was Zhang Qi, a kitchen helper. His identity and background are currently being verified."

"Ha! Committed suicide out of fear of punishment?"

Li Tai, as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world, suddenly sat up straight, pointed at Li Chengqian, and shrieked:
"What a convenient excuse, 'dead men tell no tales'! Li Chengqian, do you think you can absolve yourself by sending someone to commit suicide?! Who knows if you were the one who killed him to cover it up?!"

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, his pent-up jealousy, fear, and the pain of the poisoning all transforming into vicious accusations:

"If it weren't for Physician Sun and the others arriving in time, I... I would have been poisoned to death in this Crown Prince's residence!"

"You dare to commit such a heinous act against your own brother, what else wouldn't you do?! You..."

"Snapped--!"

A crisp, resounding slap abruptly interrupted Li Tai's roar.

Li Tai's head tilted to the side after being hit, and a clear red five-finger mark instantly appeared on his cheek. He was completely stunned.

He covered his face in disbelief, looking at Li Chengqian who had suddenly attacked. Li Chengqian shook his hand, his eyes as cold as knives, looking down at Li Tai, his voice not loud, but carrying a chilling undertone:
"Li Tai, my patience is limited."

"If you don't want to die, get out of the Crown Prince's residence right now."

"If you dare to bark here again, I won't hesitate to make you truly 'seriously ill'."

The murderous intent in his eyes was undisguised, making Li Tai feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave, his whole body turning cold.

He suddenly realized that this was not the Prince of Wei's residence, but Li Chengqian's territory!

This madman is really daring to make a move!
Overwhelmed by fear, Li Tai covered his face, his teeth grinding together.

But he dared not utter another word. With the help of his attendants, he staggered to his feet, glared at Li Chengqian with eyes full of deep hatred, and slunk away.

Just as Li Tai and his entourage, filled with humiliation and resentment, were about to leave the Crown Prince's residence, a group of eunuchs dressed in palace attire, led by a eunuch in a scarlet robe, hurried over and met them at the gate.

"Imperial edict has arrived! Crown Prince Li Chengqian and Prince Wei, Li Tai, receive the edict!"

The eunuch's shrill voice pierced the tense atmosphere in front of the Crown Prince's residence.

Li Tai, who had just been slapped and was about to leave in resentment, was stunned.

Upon hearing the sound, Li Chengqian, who was inside the mansion, frowned slightly, straightened his robes, and walked out steadily.

Everyone knelt down to receive the order.

Li Tai originally wanted to kneel down to receive the imperial decree, but seeing Li Chengqian standing, he also stood firm and refused to kneel.

The eunuch in the scarlet robe was very surprised to see this, but he dared not rebuke him. He could only pretend not to see it, unfold the imperial edict with yellow silk, and read it aloud.

The first half of the imperial edict was strongly worded.

He reprimanded the Crown Prince's residence for its mismanagement, which resulted in such a horrific poisoning incident that alarmed the prince, high-ranking officials, and literary figures. He ordered Crown Prince Li Chengqian to deeply reflect on his actions, conduct a thorough internal investigation, and provide an explanation to the court and the nation.

Hearing this, Li Tai felt a surge of satisfaction, realizing that his father was ultimately on his side.

However, the latter part of the imperial edict plunged his spirits into despair.

"I am concerned that the weather is getting hotter and I wish to go to Jiucheng Palace to escape the heat. Crown Prince Chengqian, Prince Wei Tai, you shall all accompany me."

"Regarding the matter of the Crown Prince's residence, I will personally hear your explanations at Jiucheng Palace. So be it!"

[A summer getaway by car?]

[Will you explain things clearly to me personally at Jiucheng Palace?]

Li Tai suddenly looked up, his face drained of color.

Go to Jiucheng Palace?

Doesn't that mean he'll have to leave Chang'an for a long time, leave the sphere of influence he's built up over so long, and be completely under the watchful eyes of his father... and Li Chengqian?
Li Chengqian's eyes flickered slightly, and countless thoughts raced through his mind in an instant.

The Emperor's actions, seemingly a move to punish both brothers equally and place them under his surveillance, were likely far more complex than simply 'clarifying' the situation.

This is to completely control the conflict between the brothers.

"Your subject receives the decree and thanks Your Majesty for your grace."

Li Chengqian and Li Tai spoke in unison, but their thoughts differed.

The eunuch delivering the imperial edict handed it to Li Chengqian, and said with a forced smile:

"Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Wei, please make preparations. We will depart in three days."

"His Majesty hopes to see brotherly love and respect in Jiucheng Palace, rather than... a chaotic and corrupt atmosphere."

After saying that, he turned and left with his men.

Li Tai got up from the ground, his face extremely pale.

He glanced at the expressionless Li Chengqian, too lazy to even exchange pleasantries, snorted coldly, and, surrounded by his entourage, boarded the carriage and left without looking back. His departing figure was filled with resentment and unease.

Li Chengqian held the slightly heavy imperial edict in his hand, gazing in the direction where Li Tai's carriage had gone, then looked up at the palace with a deep look in his eyes.

[Jiucheng Palace for escaping the summer heat?]

[Li Er, Li Er, you really know how to pick a spot!]

[Is this your plan to firmly control Li Tai and me? Or is it a trap you've set for us?!] (End of Chapter)