Tang Dynasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Li Er at the Start

Chapter 61 I, the Emperor, have failed so miserably!
However, Wen He wasn't so foolish as to agree to such a thing as winning people's hearts.

The main point Li Shimin just made was about Li Chengqian.

"Yes, that's right. It's all thanks to the Crown Prince's wisdom. Of course, I also played a small role, such as teaching the Crown Prince to be loyal to the emperor and the country, and to appoint virtuous and capable people, but it's not worth mentioning."

He was so humble, as if he were telling the truth.

Li Shimin was already used to his careless remarks.

Whether Wei Zheng believes it or not, he will be indebted to Gao Ming for his kindness today.

As for why it was Wei Zheng and Xue Wanche...

Even Wen He could figure it out.

Both of them came from Li Jiancheng's Eastern Palace.

Behind him gathered a group of Li Jiancheng's old associates.

If they want a future, they have no choice but to cling to Li Chengqian.

As losers, they would not pose a threat to Li Shimin.

Thinking of this, Wen He couldn't help but admire Li Er's thoughtfulness.

Finding a balance between being a father and a ruler is incredibly difficult.

Li Shimin rolled his eyes at him, clearly annoyed.

He chuckled inwardly: "This brat is quite sensible. Fine, let Wei Zheng and Xue Wanche also owe him some favors."

"Thank you, Young Master Wen." Wei Zheng, knowing the situation, cupped his hands in thanks to Wen He, who quickly stepped aside.

Putting aside Wei Zheng's status, just considering his age, Wen He shouldn't accept such a courtesy from him.

(P.S.: Some readers reported that they couldn't distinguish Wei Zheng when listening to the audiobook, so it has been changed to Wei Zheng for all audiobooks.)
"I will remember this kindness."

Xue Wanche bowed solemnly, and Wen He returned the bow with a smile.

He knew that Xue Wanche was not thanking him, but rather yielding to Li Shimin, but his personality was particularly awkward.

If he hadn't been willing to submit to Li Shimin, he wouldn't have believed what he said.

Wen He looked up and noticed that Li Shimin, who was standing not far away, had slightly raised the corners of his mouth. She sighed helplessly in her heart: "Well, I've become his tool again. I wonder if there will be any reward. A few more acres of land would be good."

Seemingly sensing the expectation in Wen He's eyes, Li Shimin smiled and nodded at him.

Just as he was about to speak, Huang Chun stepped forward anxiously and whispered in his ear, "Your Highness, it's almost time."

As the sky outside gradually brightened, the sun slowly rose over the distant mountains.

Bathed in the sunlight streaming into the Daxing Palace, Li Shimin gently waved his sleeve.

"Go to court."

"promise."

……

Tai Chi Hall.

Inside the majestic and solemn palace, civil and military officials knelt on either side, clearly distinguished by their positions.

The elderly men at the front, with their white hair, closed their eyes to rest, remaining silent, their faces etched with solemnity.

Once upon a time, they were the most sought-after figures in this hall.

But today, no one dared to approach them.

The only one who is still considered popular is Yuwen Shiji.

“He actually made the right bet.” A soft, disgruntled voice suddenly rang out.

Pei Ji, who was at the very front, turned his head to look at the person who had spoken, and then turned back around.

"What, are you afraid that the King of Qin will hold you accountable?"

"Hmph, what am I afraid of? Whether it's the Crown Prince or the King of Qin, whoever sits on that throne, they all need our support."

The old minister who spoke earlier disagreed.

He was one of the representatives of powerful clans in the imperial court.

He had previously been a supporter of Li Jiancheng.

But he never expected that overnight, the political situation in the imperial court would change drastically.

That Prince Qin was truly unafraid of future infamy, and he turned against his own brother.

"This is the imperial court; it's best to be careful with your words and actions," Xiao Yu, who was in the second seat, frowned slightly.

The old man who had spoken earlier glared at him resentfully.

"The Duke of Song is quite composed, but who doesn't know that you are actually one of the King of Qin's men?"

This matter was a closely guarded secret within their small circle, yet this person revealed it here today. Even though everyone around him was from within that circle, upon hearing his words, they all moved aside and kept their distance from him.

This is no longer the Sui Dynasty, and the King of Qin is no longer His Majesty.

Do you really think he wouldn't dare to kill someone?

"quiet!"

Suddenly, a loud shout rang out, and the previously chaotic hall fell silent.

Everyone sat upright, their backs straight.

"His Royal Highness the Prince of Qin has arrived!"

A sound of whipping came from outside, and Li Shimin, dressed in imperial robes, slowly walked into the main hall.

The last few officials, both civil and military, of the third and fourth ranks, all bowed deeply in respect.

The nobles and dignitaries in front also quickly bowed and paid their respects.

Wen He stood outside the main hall. Given his status, he was not allowed to enter the hall, let alone even approach the Taiji Hall.

They could only stand in the open air under the blazing sun.

Such a qualification is the envy of countless people in Chang'an.

After all, the people standing next to him were all officials of the fourth or fifth rank, or county magistrates or marquises.

Didn't you see that even Duan Zhixuan was only standing a little bit in front of him?

"The sage has arrived, and all the ministers greet and pay homage!"

A loud shout came from ahead. Before Wen He could see what was going on, she saw the people around her bowing in unison.

Fortunately, he was short, and no one noticed that he was still standing.

"Your Majesty, we respectfully wish you good health!"

"Holy Holy Gong!"

Falling behind by one step leads to falling behind by another. In a moment of distraction, Wen He couldn't keep up with their pace, so she simply stood there and watched the show.

Anyway, no one noticed him because of where he was standing.

He stood there for who knows how long, watching the sun, which was originally in the east, getting closer and closer to his head.

From Wen He's angle, she couldn't see what was happening inside the Taiji Hall at all.

However, the Imperial Guards and Xuanjia Guards around them did not move, which means that things were going smoothly inside.

Wen He was unaware that things had indeed gone very smoothly.

It went so smoothly that even Li Shimin was dreaming.

"It was my fault that I failed to make Erlang the crown prince before, but I never expected it to lead to such a tragedy. I am heartbroken."

"It is not too late to mend the fence after the sheep are lost. I have decided to follow the will of Heaven and the people and establish Prince Qin, Li Shimin, as the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty."

Li Yuan, high above all others, looked at the assembled officials in the hall, but his expression remained completely unchanged.

It's as if the desperate person from yesterday wasn't him.

If Wen He were here, she would be very surprised.

Because only today does Li Yuan truly resemble an emperor.

But his current appearance seems more like he's trying to preserve the last bit of dignity for himself.

"Your Majesty is wise; I second that opinion!"

As Li Yuan expected, Xiao Yu was the first to step forward.

As the second prime minister, he bypassed Pei Ji and was the first to support Li Shimin.

After he stepped forward, almost all the officials and ministers, except for Pei Ji, stepped forward to second his proposal without hesitation.

Looking at the ministers bowing before him, Li Yuan was suddenly overcome with sorrow.

I, as an emperor, have failed so miserably!
He felt bitter inside, and only by supporting himself on the table did he manage to stay upright.

"Your subject is of meager virtue and limited talent, and I fear I am not able to win the hearts of the people."

Finally, his good second son, Li Shimin, arrived.

Li Yuan squinted as he watched him put on a show below.

He used to play the game of three invitations and three refusals.

Now, it's just his son's turn.

Special thanks to the editor of Group 4, Wushu, for his great support.

Thank you to the following readers for their monthly tickets:
Winter winter winter winter winter winter winter, early autumn is not just desolate, I am Su Xin, Unlock safe mode, Peninsula Iron Box i, Listening to the rain in the east wind, I want to become a cat, Book friend 20230506221141293, Zhuang Siyu, Little Wushu, Qing 66, Dominator of the Demon Machima, Long scroll of ink fragrance, Buddhist Wuzhuang Temple


(End of this chapter)