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

Night completely enveloped Jiucheng Palace.

The mountain breeze, carrying the sounds of pine trees and springs, blows through the open windows, stirs the gauze curtains inside the hall, and brings a refreshing coolness that is completely different from the heat of the day.

Li Chengqian dismissed all his attendants and sat alone in the inner room of Chengxiang Hall.

He did not light a lamp, letting the cool moonlight filter through the window and cast dappled shadows on the polished gold-brick floor.

Outside the palace, the footsteps of the Imperial Guards patrolling were rhythmic and heavy, like drumbeats striking the hearts of everyone.

He repeatedly pondered in his mind the brief conversation he had just had with Li Shimin.

Every word and every glance from Li Shimin is worth savoring.

That seemingly casual concern was actually a test of his state of mind.

The 'gentle' tone when mentioning family dinners felt more like an invisible pressure and warning.

"family……"

A cold smile curled at the corner of Li Chengqian's lips.

How fragile is kinship in the face of supreme imperial power.

Weren't Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, the kings of that time, also his "family"?
Li Chengqian slowly rose, like a cheetah blending into the shadows, and silently walked to the window, his sharp gaze sweeping over the pavilions, towers, distant mountains, and nearby waters outlined by the moonlight.

The flickering lights of the imperial guards' torches danced in the night, outlining a strict cordon.

But even the most stringent defenses have their patterns and gaps.

The information Yang Nannan had gathered beforehand was now rapidly forming a three-dimensional map of the palace in his mind.

At the beginning of midnight, at the side gate of Chengxiang Hall.

A dark figure, almost blending into the night, flashed in like a wisp of smoke, without attracting the attention of any guards.

It was Yang Nannan, who had changed into her night clothes.

"Your Highness."

Her voice was extremely low, carrying a hint of the grimness one would show when carrying out a mission.

"how?"

Li Chengqian turned around, the moonlight shining on half of his face, his eyes shining with an astonishing brightness.

"There's some movement from the King of Wei's side."

Yang Nannan spoke very quickly: "Half an hour ago, the side gate of Ningyun Pavilion opened for a moment, and a figure dressed as a eunuch flashed out and moved quickly along the shadow of the west palace wall. His destination seemed to be... Yongxiang, which was responsible for some of the procurement and transportation within the palace."

“Our men followed them to the entrance of Yongxiang, where the crowds were mixed together. To avoid being exposed, we did not go any further.”

"But what is certain is that it was not an ordinary movement within the palace."

Li Chengqian narrowed his eyes slightly.

As expected, Li Tai couldn't contain himself and started making secret contacts as soon as he arrived.

Yongxiang... it's a place where all sorts of people mingle, a good place to pass on messages and make contact with forces outside the palace.

"Keep a close eye on Ningyun Pavilion, especially at night. Find out the identity of that eunuch and who he came into contact with."

"Yes."

Yang Nannan agreed, and then added, "In addition, at Qifeng Garden, after Her Majesty the Empress rested, His Highness Prince Jin seemed to be feeling unwell and summoned the imperial physician."

"The imperial physician diagnosed it as just a mild case of acclimatization and prescribed a calming decoction."

"However... our people noticed that Miss Su lingered outside Prince Jin's bedchamber for a while after the imperial physician left, and seemed... quite concerned."

[Su Wan? Concerned about Zhi Nu?]

Li Chengqian frowned slightly.

This seems reasonable, but considering her sudden accompaniment, it becomes somewhat intriguing.

Was she genuinely concerned about Prince Jin, or was she using this opportunity to observe the situation at Qifeng Garden? Or perhaps, was she sending some kind of signal?
"Understood. Keep your distance and observe Qifeng Garden, without disturbing the Empress Dowager and Zhinu."

"The main focus is still on the movements of King Wei and... Danxiao Palace."

Li Chengqian asked in a deep voice, "Is there anything unusual from Father's side tonight?"

Yang Nannan shook her head:
"Danxiao Palace is heavily guarded, and our people cannot get close. After His Majesty rested, there were only regular guards and hidden sentries from the Hundred Cavalry Guard outside the palace, and no unusual personnel were seen entering or leaving."

Li Chengqian nodded. Emperor Taizong's actions were always unfathomable, and he would not easily give anyone a handle to use against him.

"Your Highness, regarding the family banquet tomorrow, I'm afraid..."

Yang Nannan's tone carried a hint of worry.

"there is always a solution to a problem."

Li Chengqian interrupted her, his voice calm:
"If Father wants to watch a play, then I will play along. You may leave now, proceed with the plan."

"Yes."

Yang Nannan said no more, and with a swift movement, she once again disappeared into the night like a ghost.

Silence returned to the hall.

Li Chengqian returned to the window, stood with his hands behind his back, and gazed at the cold, bright moon in the night sky.

The mountain wind grew stronger, rustling the leaves outside the hall as if countless whispers were hidden within.

Li Tai's subtle actions, Su Wan's unusual concern, the Emperor's indifferent observation... all the clues are like scattered beads.

He needs to find the thread that can connect them.

He had a premonition that tomorrow's seemingly warm 'family dinner' would not be peaceful.

Perhaps that will be an opportunity, a chance to break the current deadlock, or even... a chance to see the real players behind the scenes.

He slowly raised his hand, and in the moonlight, the outline of his palm was clearly visible, as if it contained a power capable of stirring up the wind and clouds.

"Since we've already come to Jiucheng Palace..."

He muttered to himself, a resolute and cold glint in his eyes.

"Then let's stir this pool of water up even more."

On the other side, Ningyun Pavilion.

Li Tai also tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The analysis that Liu Ji had secretly passed in during the day made him uneasy.

"Your Highness! I believe that Chancellor Liu's analysis is not without merit. We should not focus all our attention on the Crown Prince!"

Su Xu said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, think about it. His Majesty summoned you to Jiucheng Palace not only to escape the summer heat, but also to personally question you about the poisoning incident at the Crown Prince's residence."

“Now that you have arrived at Jiucheng Palace, His Majesty not only does not question you, but is also preparing to hold a family banquet! This is completely illogical!”

"Because logically speaking, given what has happened, whether for the sake of brotherly harmony or to vindicate the crown prince, he should have dealt with the matter promptly."

But he didn't.

At this point, Su Xu paused, then added meaningfully, "Moreover, he also brought the Empress and the Prince of Jin with him!"

"This signal is extremely dangerous."

"This is clearly a reminder to you and the Crown Prince that the succession is not limited to just the two of you."

"Although the Prince of Jin is young, if he is made emperor, His Majesty will have at least ten more years to fully control the court..."

"But Li Zhi...that little boy..."

Li Tai clenched his fists, his nails digging into his flesh: "How could Father Emperor... No! Absolutely impossible!"

"This must be a test from Father. Father wants to use Li Zhi to provoke Li Chengqian into making a mistake! As long as he makes a mistake, it will be my opportunity!"

"My only opponent is Li Chengqian!!"

He simply did not believe that Li Shimin would choose Li Zhi, so he made up his mind that he must seize the opportunity at the family banquet tomorrow.

When Su Xu heard his words, he wanted to offer some advice, but after seeing the fierce look on his face, he swallowed his words.

Some things are better seen than heard.

Tomorrow, all the answers will be revealed.

As night deepened, Jiucheng Palace slept soundly amidst the surrounding mountains, but beneath this tranquility, countless eyes gleamed in the shadows, and countless thoughts quietly stirred within.

A silent struggle unfolded among the imperial family—father and sons, brothers, ruler and subjects—quietly escalating in the summer night breeze. (End of Chapter)