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

The following evening, at Jiucheng Palace, Ziyun Hall.

The interior of the hall was not lavishly decorated; the furnishings were much simpler than those of banquets in the Chang'an Palace, yet they were more exquisite and elegant.

With the windows all open, a gentle evening breeze carrying the fresh scent of mountain grass and trees drifted in, dispelling the last trace of summer heat.

As the palace lanterns were lit, their soft light shone on the polished jade steps and exquisite tableware, creating a seemingly warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun sat in the main seats.

He was not wearing a dragon robe today, but only a black casual outfit. His expression was peaceful, even showing a rare sense of leisure.

Although a trace of worry lingered between Empress Zhangsun's brows, she still maintained the dignified and gentle demeanor befitting an empress.

Li Chengqian and Li Tai sat at the head of the lower seats on the left and right, respectively.

He was dressed in a dark brocade robe, his expression calm and his demeanor composed, as if he were simply attending an ordinary family banquet.

Li Tai was dressed in a prince's everyday robes, his face displaying just the right amount of respect, albeit a slightly restrained one. However, the slight flicker in his eyes betrayed the unease in his heart.

Prince Li Zhi of Jin was still young. He was led by his wet nurse to sit slightly behind Empress Zhangsun, and he stared with wide eyes at his elder brother and the exquisite dishes in the hall.

The young lady, Su Wan, stood quietly not far behind Empress Zhangsun, her head bowed and eyes lowered, as if she were just an ordinary lady-in-waiting.

"Today is just a family dinner, so there's no need to stand on ceremony."

Li Shimin raised his cup first, his voice gentle:

"It's a rare opportunity to leave Chang'an. Here in this beautiful landscape, our family can gather together and chat."

"Thank you, Father Emperor and Your Majesty."

Everyone responded in unison, raising their glasses in a toast. The atmosphere seemed harmonious and joyful.

After several rounds of drinks, dishes were served one after another, mostly wild vegetables and river delicacies, all prepared in a refreshing and delicious manner.

Li Shimin seemed to be in a good mood and asked Li Chengqian about naval construction and overseas customs.

Li Chengqian answered fluently, demonstrating both his knowledge and the demeanor of a crown prince.

Li Tai tried several times to interject, steer the conversation toward court affairs or border military matters, attempting to demonstrate his abilities.

However, Li Shimin brushed them all off lightly, only telling him to eat more and asking about his recent literary progress.

This made Li Tai increasingly anxious, feeling that his father was biased.

Just then, Li Shimin put down his chopsticks, his gaze seemingly unintentionally sweeping over Li Chengqian and Li Tai. His tone remained gentle, yet it caused a slight tension to rise in the hall:
"Chengqian, Qingque, the incident at the Crown Prince's residence a few days ago caused quite a stir in Chang'an."

"Now that we are in Jiucheng Palace, a quiet place, do you two brothers have anything you wish to say to me or to your mother?"

【coming! 】

Li Tai's heart skipped a beat. He immediately put down his wine glass, his face instantly changing to a look of grievance mixed with suppressed emotion. He rose from his seat, bowed, and said:

"Father, Mother, I was indeed greatly frightened by what happened that day."

"But I believe in my elder brother, he will surely find out the truth and bring that audacious villain to justice!"

"Your subject has no doubt about your elder brother, but... but whenever I think about it, I still feel lingering fear, lest I fail to live up to the teachings of Father and Mother and be unable to get along with my brothers..."

His words, seemingly to exonerate Li Chengqian, actually emphasized his own shock and lingering fear, subtly shifting the responsibility for 'brotherly harmony' onto Li Chengqian.

The implication is that mismanagement of the Crown Prince's residence led to his perilous situation.

Li Shimin listened without comment, then turned his gaze to Li Chengqian: "Chengqian, what about you?"

Li Chengqian slowly rose to his feet, his expression remaining calm.

He first bowed to Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun, then looked at Li Tai, his tone flat and emotionless:

“The King of Wei was frightened because of my lax management of my subordinates. I have already apologized to my father and have also given generous gifts to all the guests who were frightened that day.”

As for the truth…

He looked sharply at Li Tai, his voice clear:
"The poisoner, Zhang Qi, has committed suicide, and the trail has gone cold."

"But I have already ordered a thorough investigation into his background and origins, as well as the source of those fifty taels of gold ingots of unknown origin. I believe that in time, the truth will come to light." He paused, his tone turning cold, carrying an undeniable air of authority:

"No matter who is behind this, their intentions are despicable!"

"How dare you commit such a despicable act in the Crown Prince's residence, framing the heir apparent and disturbing the princes and important officials of the court! Your crime deserves the execution of your entire family!"

"I will never let anyone who attempts to disrupt the court or sow discord within the imperial family get away with it!"

These words were powerful and resounding, acknowledging management responsibility while demonstrating a determination to get to the bottom of the matter.

This further escalated the nature of the incident to the level of framing the crown prince and disrupting the court, subtly refuting Li Tai's previous implication of 'discord among brothers'.

Li Tai was taken aback by Li Chengqian's cold gaze and sharp tone, and was momentarily speechless.

A barely perceptible glint flashed in Li Shimin's eyes.

He waved his hand: "Alright, everyone sit down."

"Since Chengqian is already conducting a thorough investigation, I will await the results. Let's not discuss these matters at today's family banquet."

He skillfully steered the conversation away again, as if it were just a casual question.

Li Tai sat down unwillingly, feeling resentful, thinking that his father was once again favoring Li Chengqian.

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere was noticeably more subdued than before.

Prince Li Zhi, who had been quietly eating, seemed startled by the brief tension that had just occurred and whispered to Empress Zhangsun:
"Mother, I feel a little cold."

Empress Zhangsun quickly patted him reassuringly and said to Su Wan behind her, "Wan'er, go and fetch a cloak."

"Yes."

Su Wan nodded softly, bowed, and left.

However, her departure seemed to take a little longer than expected.

Li Chengqian appeared to be enjoying the food, but out of the corner of his eye, he kept an eye on the movements at the palace entrance.

When Su Wan re-entered the hall carrying a small brocade cloak, Li Chengqian noticed that her steps were slightly more hurried than when she left, and her lowered eyelashes trembled slightly.

Although he tried his best to hide it, the fleeting abnormality did not escape his eyes.

Did she really just leave to pick up a cloak?

Li Chengqian sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

At this moment, Li Shimin seemed to remember something and smiled at Empress Zhangsun:
“Guanyinbi, I remember when we first got married, you were also very afraid of the cold. Every summer when you went out to cool off, you would always wear a thin shirt.”

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhangsun smiled with a touch of nostalgia: "Your Majesty still remembers."

"Naturally remember."

Li Shimin's gaze softened, as if he were immersed in fond memories of the past:
"Back then in the Prince of Qin's mansion, it wasn't as nice as it is now... but the whole family was together, and we were happy and content. It was a simple and joyful time."

His words were filled with deep emotion, and his gaze swept over Li Chengqian and Li Tai again, his expression complex and unreadable.

There is nostalgia, there is hope, and perhaps... there is also a subtle warning.

Li Tai found these words grating and felt that his father was using the past to reprimand him.

Li Chengqian lowered his eyes to look at the clear wine in his glass, his heart calm and undisturbed.

A family dinner? Warmth and affection?
Inside the Ziyun Hall of Jiucheng Palace, under the shadow of power, the so-called family banquet was nothing more than a more dangerous game disguised as kinship.

He knew that this game was far from over.

Su Wan's unusual behavior just now, Li Tai's unwillingness, and the Emperor's deeper meaning.
All the clues point to an even more complex mystery.

He raised his eyes and met Li Shimin's gaze, which seemed gentle yet was incredibly profound.

The father and son's gazes met briefly in the air, and a silent contest had already begun.

Are they about to reveal their true intentions? (End of Chapter)