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

The Crown Prince's residence, early the next morning.

Before the mist had completely dissipated, carriages and horses were already rumbling in front of the Crown Prince's residence.

Laifu directed the servants to load boxes of beautifully packaged gifts onto the carriages.

Silks and satins, calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, rare medicinal herbs, exotic treasures from overseas...

Each gift was quite valuable, demonstrating the Crown Prince's sincerity and remorse.

The residences of literary giants such as Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan were visited by Lai Fu himself, who led the team to them.

At the Ouyang residence, Ouyang Xun, with his white hair and beard, stood at the gate, supported by his disciples. Looking at the generous gifts sent by the Crown Prince and Lai Fu bowing deeply, his aged face showed a complex expression.

He waved his hand, his voice weak:

"Your Highness is too kind. I believe this was not Your Highness's intention. It is impossible to guard against scoundrels infiltrating the manor, and Your Highness is also a victim."

"Please tell His Highness to take care of his health and to find out the truth as soon as possible to set things right."

Lai Fu respectfully said, "Lord Ouyang is a man of great wisdom and righteousness. This old servant will certainly convey his message. Your Highness feels deeply ashamed and will personally visit your residence to apologize once this matter is resolved."

The situation was roughly the same at the Yu residence.

Although Yu Shinan did not say much, he accepted the gift and asked Laifu to convey a message to the Crown Prince, asking him not to be disturbed by rumors and to focus on finding out the culprit.

Most of the other scribes who received gifts and apologies expressed their understanding.

Li Chengqian's composure under pressure yesterday, along with his subsequent willingness to take responsibility, conduct a thorough investigation, and offer a generous apology, largely dispelled their resentment and even garnered some sympathy.

After all, which family can guarantee that their residence is absolutely clean? Being used by treacherous people, the crown prince is also one who suffers losses and stigma.

However, beneath the surface of apparent calm, undercurrents remain turbulent.

Pei Xingjian's investigation into Zhang Qi, the man in the kitchen, has made initial progress.

Zhang Qi entered the Crown Prince's residence half a year ago through the introduction of a former steward who had retired to his hometown. His background seemed to be clean.

Upon inspection, the fifty taels of gold ingots were found to be officially minted gold ingots, widely circulated, making it difficult to trace their specific origin.

The trail seems to have gone cold again.

“Your Highness, Zhang Qi’s family members are no longer in their hometown. According to the neighbors, they moved away several months ago and their whereabouts are unknown.”

Pei Xingjian reported, his face grim: "The other party is very shrewd."

Li Chengqian sat behind his desk, his fingers tapping on the surface, his eyes cold.
"As expected. Since this connection has been temporarily severed, let's put it aside for now. The focus should be on Jiucheng Palace three days from now."

He looked up at Pei Xingjian: "When I accompany the emperor to escape the summer heat, the Six Guards of the Eastern Palace can only bring a small number of guards according to regulations. You should select the three hundred most elite and reliable men to accompany me."

"The rest of you will remain in Chang'an, under your command. Keep a close eye on the situation in Chang'an, especially the movements of the Prince of Wei's residence, Liu Ji, Dai Zhou, and others, as well as... the Ministry of War and the Sixteen Guards."

"promise!"

Pei Xingjian obeyed the order with a stern expression.

"in addition!"

Li Chengqian pondered for a moment and said, "Let Yang Nannan come to see me."

A moment later, Yang Nannan entered the study, still with that slightly lazy smile, only her eyes were a little sharper.

"Your Highness."

"Double the manpower in the southern border region."

Li Chengqian directly ordered: "Not only must we keep an eye on Yuan Tiangang and the people sent by the Emperor, but we must also find out exactly what they are looking for and who they are in contact with. If necessary, we can use our 'spies' in the southern border region."

A glint flashed in Yang Nannan's eyes: "Your Highness suspects..."

"I know nothing about this, which is why I need you to investigate."

Li Chengqian interrupted her: "Remember, secrecy is paramount. It's better to lose track of them than to be exposed."

"Understood, Your Excellency." Yang Nannan solemnly accepted the order.

"besides!"

Li Chengqian paused, his gaze sweeping over Yang Nannan: "This time, when we go to Jiucheng Palace, Pei Xingjian will be in charge of the overt protection of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. You... will take Wu Meiniang and the team under your command that is best at stealth and espionage, and accompany them secretly."

"I need to know every little thing happening inside and outside Jiucheng Palace."

Yang Nannan's lips curled slightly: "Does Your Highness intend to plant spies under His Majesty's very nose?"

Li Chengqian sneered: "If Father wants to keep us brothers under his watchful eye, do you think he would be short of spies?"

"I'm just... protecting myself."

"That Meiniang"

"This is official business!"

Li Chengqian emphasized this without any room for doubt.

Yang Nannan smiled, said nothing more, and turned to leave.

After watching him leave, Li Chengqian gently tapped the table, making a 'tap, tap' sound.

After a moment, he suddenly ordered, "Men! Prepare the carriage! I'm going to Da'an Palace!"

Meanwhile, at the Prince of Wei's residence, unlike the seemingly relaxed but actually tense preparations at the Crown Prince's residence, the atmosphere was oppressive and anxious.

The redness and swelling on Li Tai's face had not completely subsided, and he paced restlessly in the study.

"Go to Jiucheng Palace? What does Father mean by this?! Are you going to trap me and that madman together?"

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt: "Prime Minister Liu, how should we deal with this?"

Liu Ji frowned and pondered, "Your Highness, His Majesty's move is intended to control the situation and prevent the conflict between you brothers in Chang'an from escalating and causing even greater disaster."

"Going to Jiucheng Palace, although it is far away from Chang'an's roots, is not necessarily all a bad thing."

"Oh? Why do you see it?"

"Under His Majesty's watchful eye, the Crown Prince will inevitably be more cautious in his actions and will not dare to act as recklessly as he did yesterday. That is one reason."

Liu Ji analyzed: "Secondly, Jiucheng Palace is far from the court, which is a good opportunity for Your Highness to show filial piety and deepen your relationship with His Majesty."

"If Your Highness handles this properly, it may be possible to reverse the negative perception His Majesty may have due to the poisoning incident."

Upon hearing this, Li Tai's anxious mood eased slightly: "Then... how should we prepare?"

"Keep the entourage to a minimum, bringing only the most trusted confidants. Gifts need not be many, but they must be of high quality, especially items that reflect His Highness's filial piety without being extravagant."

Liu Ji advised, "As for the poisoning case in the Crown Prince's residence, Your Highness may show appropriate grievances in front of His Majesty, but you must not over-accuse the Crown Prince. You should focus on 'being frightened' and 'hoping for the truth' to appear to be mindful of the overall situation."

He lowered his voice and said:

"Most importantly, we need to use our time at Jiucheng Palace to try to find... evidence that the Crown Prince and the border general had private dealings or that this poisoning case was related."

A ruthless glint flashed in Li Tai's eyes: "I understand."

"Also, we need to keep something in reserve."

"Keep a backup plan?"

"Correct!"

Liu Ji nodded, then squinted and said, "Does Your Highness recall that His Majesty was also poisoned before Xuanwu Gate?"

What does Liu Xiangde mean?

Li Tai instantly realized what was happening, and his voice trembled as he said, "Could this be a trap set by Father? How could this be! Father, he..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but it was clear that he also had doubts about Li Shimin.

But Liu Ji pondered for a moment and said, "Whether it's a scheme set up by His Majesty or not, it's always good to make plans early!"

"Then what does Prime Minister Liu mean?" Li Tai asked cautiously.

Liu Ji thought for a moment and said, "On the surface, we will travel light and keep a low profile, but secretly we must contact our trusted generals and have them ready to come to the emperor's aid at any time!"

"Huh? Isn't this too risky?!"

"Ah!"

Liu Ji sneered and said, "Throughout history, those who obtain the throne are either kings or villains; who hasn't risked their life to fight for it?!"

Upon hearing this, Li Tai hesitated slightly, but a ruthless glint quickly flashed in his eyes. He said, "Alright! Then let's follow Prime Minister Liu's plan and make preparations as soon as possible!"

"Your Highness is wise!"

Liu Ji smiled flatteringly, and then discussed some details about going to Jiucheng Palace with Li Tai.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace, at the Liangyi Hall.

Li Shimin listened to the report from Yun Duan, the commander of the Hundred Cavalry.

"The Crown Prince's residence offered generous gifts in apology, and most of the scholars have been appeased. Ouyang Xun, Yu Shinan, and others did not show any resentment."

"After returning to his residence, His Highness Prince Wei has remained indoors, reportedly preparing for his journey with the emperor."

"The Crown Prince has ordered Pei Xingjian to select three hundred elite soldiers to accompany him. In addition, Yang Nannan and some of her elite guards have also made unusual moves, seemingly intending to secretly follow him."

"There is no new information coming back from southern Xinjiang."

Li Shimin leaned back in his chair, gently rubbing his temples with his fingers, his face revealing neither joy nor anger.

"understood."

He waved his hand, signaling Yun Duan to step down.

He was the only one left in the hall.

He got up and walked to the huge map of the Tang Dynasty's territory, his gaze falling on the Jiucheng Palace marker near Qishan.

"Chengqian, Qingque..."

He whispered to himself.

"I will take you away from this quagmire of Chang'an and give you a relatively peaceful place."

"Whether they are dragons or worms, will they continue their fratricidal strife, or will they... finally come to their senses..."

"Let me take a good look."

His eyes held a complex expression, containing both the scrutiny and control of an emperor, and a hint of weariness and expectation hidden deep within, perhaps even unnoticed by himself, that belonged to a father. (End of Chapter)