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

The royal procession arrived at Jiucheng Palace in the evening.

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a golden-red halo over the continuous Qishan Mountains and the palace complex built against them, while the flying eaves and brackets outlined a tranquil and solemn silhouette in the twilight.

The coolness of the mountains spread quietly with the night breeze, making it seem like a completely different world from the sweltering heat of Chang'an.

However, the tranquility and peace of this royal garden did nothing to ease the tension in the hearts of the entourage.

Li Chengqian was assigned to Chengxiang Hall, which was not far from the main hall, Danxiao Hall.

The palace is serene and elegantly furnished. Opening the back window reveals a pool of clear water and distant verdant mountains, offering a superb view.

But he had no interest in appreciating it.

As soon as they settled in, Pei Xingjian came to report on the preliminary findings of the investigation.

"Your Highness, the guards of Jiucheng Palace are under the command of General Chang He, the Left Gatekeeper, and his Imperial Guards have taken over the defense."

"The three hundred guards we brought were assigned to designated camps outside the palace grounds according to regulations, and were not allowed to enter the core area without being summoned."

Li Chengqian nodded slightly; this was expected.

Since Li Er had placed his brothers here, he naturally wanted to keep their protection firmly in his own hands.

"The Prince of Wei has been assigned to Ningyun Pavilion, which is located on the other side of His Majesty's Danxiao Palace, forming a triangular position with us, at a moderate distance."

Pei Xingjian continued, "In addition, Her Majesty the Empress, Prince Jin, Princess Chengyang, and others reside in the more inner Qifeng Garden."

Li Chengqian tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "What about Yang Nannan?"

"Commander Yang has sent back news that their people have infiltrated the servants and purchasing teams in batches, or hidden themselves by taking advantage of the terrain, and have initially figured out several hidden paths and several blind spots in the surveillance around the palace."

"But the Danxiao Palace, Qifeng Garden, and the vicinity of our residence and the residence of the Prince of Wei are heavily guarded, with numerous hidden sentries from the Hundred Cavalry Division, making it difficult to get close."

A knowing glint flashed in Li Chengqian's eyes.

[My father's eyes and ears are indeed everywhere.]

"Tell Yang Nannan that the priority is to remain in the shadows and gather information; we must not take any action unless absolutely necessary."

He ordered in a deep voice, "Pay close attention to the movements of the Prince of Wei, and also... the unusual activity at Qifeng Garden."

"Qifeng Garden?"

Pei Xingjian was slightly puzzled.

Li Chengqian's gaze was profound: "The young servant is too young, and the Empress Dowager's health may not be suitable for a long journey. Their arrival this time is definitely not unusual."

"And that Miss Su... her appearance in the princess's carriage was by no means a coincidence."

"Keep a close eye on them and see who they're in contact with."

"Yes!"

After Pei Xingjian left, Li Chengqian walked to the window alone and looked at the mountain scenery outside the window that was gradually being shrouded in twilight.

What is the Emperor implying by bringing the Empress Dowager and the young servant?
Is the goal to soften potential conflicts through family ties? Or are they being used as pawns in this game as well?

Or perhaps... a silent warning, reminding him that his position as crown prince was not secure, and that he was not the only option?

Su Wan's appearance seemed even more abrupt.

Was this the intention of the Changsun family? Or was it a deliberate act by the Emperor or Empress Dowager? Was it to use a marriage alliance to bind him, or was there some other hidden meaning?

All the clues point to one conclusion:
[Li Shimin's trip to Jiucheng Palace for summer retreat was by no means a simple matter of rest or reconciliation of fraternal conflicts.]

He seemed to be weaving a vast net, ensnaring everyone involved, observing coldly, waiting for something.

"Your Majesty has arrived——!"

Just then, a long, drawn-out announcement came from outside the hall.

Li Chengqian's eyes narrowed, and he quickly straightened his robes before going out to greet them.

Li Shimin did not set up his full imperial entourage, but instead strolled into the courtyard of Chengxiang Hall with only a few personal eunuchs.

He changed into a set of casual clothes, his face showing a hint of languor from the journey, but his gaze remained sharp as he swept over the simple furnishings of the hall and finally landed on Li Chengqian, who was bowing respectfully.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." "Rise."

Li Shimin casually waved his hand, walked to the stone bench in the courtyard and sat down, as if he really came to have a casual chat.

"This Chengxiang Palace is quite quiet and the scenery is nice. How does it compare to your Crown Prince's residence?"

"Your Majesty, Jiucheng Palace is serene and elegant, a perfect summer retreat, which the Eastern Palace cannot compare to," Li Chengqian replied respectfully.

Li Shimin smiled, neither confirming nor denying, but then abruptly changed the subject:
"I've been pondering that case in your household for quite some time now. The poisoner died quickly, and the clues have all been cut off."

"Chengqian, do you... have any guesses in your heart?"

He looked at Li Chengqian calmly, as if it were just a casual question.

A slight alarm bell rang in Li Chengqian's heart, but he remained outwardly calm: "Your subject is dull-witted and has no clue yet. I only feel that the person behind the scenes is meticulous in their actions and ruthless in their methods, which is extraordinary."

"Your subject will certainly conduct a thorough investigation within the palace, purge the treacherous officials, and give the King of Wei an explanation."

He kicked the ball back, his attitude sincere and without revealing the slightest flaw.

Li Shimin gave him a deep look, but did not ask any further questions. Instead, he said, "I just went to see Qingque, and she still looks a bit unwell."

"You two brothers have come here with me this time, so you should prioritize resting and recuperating and strengthening your friendship."

"Let's not let those troublesome things disturb the peace here."

"My son, I will obey my father's teachings."

Li Chengqian bowed in response.

"Ah."

Li Shimin stood up, patted him on the shoulder, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority:
"Get some rest. Tomorrow I will host a family banquet at Danxiao Palace. Your mother, Zhinu, and Qingque will all be there."

"It's rare for the whole family to get together like this."

After saying this, he turned and left with his eunuch, as if he had really only come to inquire about his son's residence.

Li Chengqian stood there, watching Li Shimin's figure disappear into the twilight, his eyes slightly cold.

[A family dinner?]

[A family?]

Li Er's words sounded warm and gentle, but in reality, every word was sharp and witty.

Is he reminding himself of the importance of brotherly love and respect? Or is he implying that if harmony within the "family" cannot be achieved, other considerations will arise?

Li Chengqian slowly clenched his fist hidden in his sleeve.

The power struggle surrounding Jiucheng Palace had already begun with this seemingly ordinary conversation between father and son.

He knew that tomorrow's family dinner would likely be the first real test.

As night deepened, the lights of Jiucheng Palace lit up one after another, dotting the vast mountain landscape, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

But beneath this tranquility, the undercurrents are colder and more biting than the night wind in the mountains.

【system! 】

Li Chengqian suddenly shouted out.

"exist!"

It was still that mechanical voice.

But it lacked the casualness it used to have.

Li Chengqian, however, seemed oblivious to this change, and said calmly, "Does completing the main quest mean the end of our relationship?"

After a moment of silence, the system simply replied with one word: "Yes!"

"Very well! You open your eyes wide and watch how I climb step by step to that highest position!"

Li Chengqian's lips curled up, a confident glint in his eyes. (End of Chapter)