The Fierce Teacher of Zhenguan: Starting with Teaching the Crown Prince to Make a Comeback

Chapter 94 Rectifying such unhealthy practices to uphold the order of the court!
Upon hearing this, a cold smile appeared on Li Yichen's lips.

“They will not take any action because His Highness has many people to retaliate against, and the targets are scattered.”

"They will only observe each other, and may even hope that others will take the lead, while they remain calm and observe the situation to preserve their strength."

"That's human nature, especially when it comes to one's own core interests; no one is willing to risk their life for someone else."

"First of all, as I just said, Your Highness's actions are all within the rules, and they cannot find any overt incriminating evidence against you."

"Secondly, even if a few individuals are tempted to act, their counterattacks will inevitably be isolated and unlikely to form a united force. More importantly—"

He looked sharply at Li Chengqian.

"Your Highness holds the power of 'listening to government,' which is perfectly legitimate. If they retaliate excessively, they will be showing contempt for the Crown Prince and questioning His Majesty's decision to grant His Highness the power to participate in government."

“They cannot bear this crime. Therefore, I predict that in the beginning there will be shock and silence, and no one will dare to stir up a bigger storm.”

Li Chengqian's eyes gleamed, his heart pounding with excitement at Li Yichen's analysis, but then he thought of another important matter.

"Then... in your opinion, how exactly should we proceed? Who should we target? What should we address? We can't just start without a clear objective."

Li Yichen shook his head slightly, his expression returning to its usual calm.

"The specific goals, candidates, and matters need to be discussed by Your Highness in conjunction with the capable officials of the Crown Prince's Office and the Left and Right Spring Palaces."

"They are well-versed in the backgrounds, recent activities, and responsibilities of various departments of the imperial court officials."

Li Chengqian nodded slowly.

"Then...what about the anchor? How much longer must I wait? I can't sleep or eat in peace until I gain the upper hand in the affairs of Xizhou! And what about Qingque..."

Li Yichen met his eager gaze with a calm tone.

“Your Highness, the anchor is of fundamental importance and involves a great deal of resources. We must wait for the best opportunity to succeed in one fell swoop. Please wait a few more days while I make further preparations.”

"When the time is right, I will tell Your Highness everything."

Seeing Li Yichen's statement, Li Chengqian, though extremely anxious, knew that this matter could not be forced.

He took a deep breath, suppressed his turbulent emotions, and a resolute look appeared on his face.

"Very well! I will make arrangements for revenge immediately. As for the anchor, I will wait a few more days!"

"Your Highness is wise."

Li Yichen bowed respectfully.

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Li Chengqian waved his hand, watching Li Yichen's composed retreating figure, and the hall returned to silence.

Li Chengqian sat quietly alone in Xiande Hall for a long time.

Revenge is not about venting anger, but about establishing authority.

He repeatedly pondered the words "equality," "rules," and "etiquette," and an unprecedented sense of clarity gradually dispelled the humiliation and violence that had gripped his heart.

He was no longer angry at Li Tai's smugness, nor did he resent his father's injustice.

"Someone is coming."

The eunuchs standing outside the hall immediately bowed and entered.

"Summon Kong Gong, Du Zhenglun, Zhao Hongzhi, and Helan Chushi to the side hall of Xiande Hall for a meeting immediately."

He paused slightly, then added.

"Tell them to hurry, I have important matters to discuss with them."

Instead of choosing those who were too close to him and might have been regarded by outsiders as the core members of the "princeling party," he summoned the key officials of the Crown Prince's palace who held higher positions, had heavier responsibilities, and had remained relatively silent during the recent turmoil.

Kong Yingda was of advanced age and high moral character, Du Zhenglun was known for his literary talent and refined manners, Zhao Hongzhi was skilled in etiquette and system, and Helan Chushi had some connection with the military, but was not a direct subordinate of Li Ji.

This combination can represent the Crown Prince's Palace without appearing too aggressive, and is more in line with the attitude of "rectifying the court".

About an incense stick later, several officials from the Eastern Palace gathered in the side hall.

Their expressions varied. Clearly, they had all heard about what was happening at court and had some idea of ​​the Crown Prince's purpose in suddenly summoning them.

Li Chengqian did not keep them waiting long. He calmly swept his gaze over everyone, got straight to the point, and spoke with unusual composure.

"The Crown Prince's accession to government is intended to provide him with learning experience and to gather wise counsel. However, after reviewing the summaries of the memorials sent to the Eastern Palace and reading the reports from various departments, I have discovered some unsettling signs."

He then shifted the topic to the broader level of government policy.

"Some officials may become negligent in their duties, or the standards for performance evaluation and selection may be vague, or the implementation of rules and regulations may become a mere formality."

"Although such a situation may seem minor, if it continues, it may damage the strictness of the court's laws and regulations and undermine the Emperor's good intentions of governing the country diligently."

Li Chengqian's voice was not loud, but it carried a solemnity that was inconsistent with his age.

"Since I have been entrusted with the trust and power of the Emperor and participated in government affairs, I cannot simply occupy the position without doing my job and turn a blind eye to the situation."

"The reason I have summoned you all here today is to discuss with you how to take advantage of the Crown Prince's audience with the emperor to rectify such malpractices and uphold the order of the court!"

He deliberately emphasized the four words "to rectify the court".

There was silence in the hall.

The subordinates quickly exchanged glances.

The Crown Prince's words were eloquent and impeccable.

But considering what happened yesterday, who among those present could not understand the target of his attack?

The elderly Kong Yingda spoke first, his voice slow and hoarse.

"Your Highness is devoted to the affairs of state, which I deeply admire. May I ask where Your Highness intends to begin?"

He needs to figure out the Crown Prince's specific intentions and boundaries.

After all, who can openly oppose "rectifying the court"?

Li Chengqian had already prepared a plan, and calmly said, "I believe we should select the most important points and investigate them thoroughly."

"For example, in recent years, the Ministry of Personnel has evaluated many officials and awarded them top marks, but are their achievements truly worthy of the title? When the Ministry of War promotes and transfers generals in border towns, are its considerations thorough and in accordance with regulations? When the Ministry of Civil Affairs inspects the transport of grain and fodder and the inventory of warehouses in various places, are its accounts clear and its procedures rigorous?"

The directions he proposed, though seemingly general, actually precisely covered the areas where the opposition was strongest yesterday—the Ministry of Personnel, where Changsun Wuji's influence lay.

The Ministry of War was directly under the jurisdiction of Li Ji.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs, which was related to finance, was headed by Fang Xuanling.

He did not name any specific person or thing, but he clearly defined the scope of the "inquiry".

Du Zhenglun pondered for a moment and said, "Your Highness, although the Crown Prince has the right to consult on government affairs, directly questioning the relevant departments may be seen as overstepping his authority and could easily lead to disputes."

Li Chengqian nodded in approval.

"Du Qing's concerns are very valid. Therefore, my intention is not to overstep my bounds, but rather to inquire in detail about the relevant memorials and reports submitted during the hearing at Xiande Hall, to request the responsible officials to be present to explain, or to have the relevant departments provide more detailed evidence."

"If there are any unclear points, procedural deficiencies, or obvious discrepancies with established rules and regulations, the Crown Prince may exercise the right to object, requesting that the matter be clarified and improved, or even temporarily suspended, and report to the Emperor for his final decision."

He looked at Zhao Hongzhi: "Minister Zhao is well-versed in regulations and systems. You will be in charge of reviewing whether the procedures and documents are in compliance with regulations and systems, based on the Zhenguan Code and the duties of each department."

Zhao Hongzhi solemnly cupped his hands and said, "Your subject obeys."

Li Chengqian then looked at Helan Chushi.

"He Lanqing has some understanding of military affairs and border matters. You should pay close attention to the proposals of the Ministry of War and various guards regarding the promotion of generals and the adjustment of border defenses. Make sure that the reasons for the recommendations are sufficient, meet the actual needs of the military, and comply with the court's selection rules."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Helan Chushi replied, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

This is both a heavy responsibility and an opportunity.

Li Chengqian finally said to Du Zhenglun: "Minister Du is a man of great literary talent and well-versed in the classics and history. I ask you to take charge of the overall situation and assist me in sorting out the memorials from all sides to ensure that the Crown Prince's rebuttals are well-supported, rigorously argued, and do not give others any grounds for criticism."

Du Zhenglun gave the Crown Prince a deep look. He sensed a level of meticulousness and composure in his words that was far beyond what he had heard before. He bowed and said, "Your subject will do his utmost."

(End of this chapter)