The rebellious grandson of Emperor Zhenguan of the Tang Dynasty: Please, Your Majesty, be called Cro

The Tang Dynasty's Chang'an City was built on the site of the Sui Dynasty's Daxing City. Its layout was described as "hundreds and thousands of houses like a Go board, and twelve streets like vegetable plots," with the arrangement resembling a chessboard.

The central axis, Zhuque Avenue, starts from Mingde Gate in the outer city in the south, runs straight north through Zhuque Gate and Chengtian Gate, traversing the entire city.

Within the Vermilion Bird Gate lies the Imperial City. The Imperial City is divided into inner and outer courts. Passing through the Chengtian Gate and the Taiji Gate, one arrives at the Taiji Hall, the main hall of the outer court.

Only after exiting the north gate of the Taiji Hall and passing through the Zhuming Gate can one reach the inner palace forbidden area.

At this moment, Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Xiao Yu, and Li Ji had all checked the fish-shaped tally on their waists and entered the palace with solemn expressions.

Changsun Wuji had just reached the age of fifty, a time when he was at the height of his power and deep in thought.

He was tall and slender with a square face. His sparse beard was meticulously combed, and although his temples were already streaked with gray, it only added to his dignified bearing.

Having just finished investigating the Crown Prince's treason case overnight, the four senior officials all looked exhausted.

Perhaps because the matter was of great importance, or perhaps because the emperor was still waiting in the palace, no one dared to be negligent.

Fang Xuanling and Li Ji had both served Emperor Taizong on the battlefield for half their lives, and were generally healthy and strong. Even after a long night of hard work, they could still manage.

Xiao Yu, on the other hand, was the oldest and had always lived a life of luxury, spending most of his time in the mansion worshipping Buddha and cultivating his mind.

It is rare for someone to be so mentally and physically exhausted; their fatigue is most pronounced at this point.

After walking for a while, he said breathlessly to Changsun Wuji, "Lord Changsun, Lord Changsun."

"Wait a moment... His Majesty's decree was to be reported back at noon, it is still early."

"Why rush like this?"

Changsun Wuji slowed his pace slightly, but his expression remained unchanged.

Taking the opportunity, Xiao Yu walked up to Changsun Wuji and stood shoulder to shoulder with him, sighed, and muttered:

"In recent years, the court has been in turmoil. Before the Lunar New Year, the Western Turkic tribe, led by Yibi Dulu, invaded Yizhou and Tianshan, but fortunately, Guo Xiaoke repelled them."

"Not long after, Goguryeo was embroiled in another incident, with Yeon Gaesomun assassinating the king and seizing power, causing hidden dangers on the Liaodong border."

"This year, Prince Qi You plotted a rebellion, which has shaken the court and the country. Now the Crown Prince is also involved in such a major case... Alas, the Tang Dynasty cannot withstand any more turmoil."

He changed the subject and got straight to the point:

"Lord Changsun, this case is of great importance. In just one day and one night, we may not be able to investigate all the details. His Majesty is also urging us to resolve this matter quickly."

"I wonder how Lord Changsun intends to present his memorial to the Emperor when he meets him later?"

Changsun Wuji glanced at Xiao Yu and immediately understood that Xiao Yu was using this as an excuse to probe his intentions.

"I will naturally report the facts of the interrogation to His Majesty for his decision," said Changsun Wuji.

"Logically, that's how it should be. But..." Xiao Yu looked worried.

"His Majesty's illness has flared up again, to the point that he is unable to attend court, and there are many important matters to attend to in court."

"This case really shouldn't be delayed any longer."

"I imagine His Majesty will question the four of us. How should we answer then?"

He was a descendant of the Xiao clan of Lanling, and the head of the old clans of the Southern Dynasties.

He had always been distant from the Crown Prince and the Prince of Wei, and had never wanted to get involved in the mess of the succession struggle.

At this moment, he wanted to find out what the other party thought first, so that when he presented the report to the emperor, he could agree with them and avoid inviting trouble.

Changsun Wuji glanced at him impassively, then turned his head slightly to look behind him:

Fang Xuanling and Li Ji were very tactful and deliberately lagged behind a few steps, making it seem as if they didn't want to get involved in their private conversation.

One of them needed to avoid being suspected of having his son's faction align with the King of Wei, while the other, who was in charge of military affairs, needed to stay out of it.

His Majesty appointed them to handle the case because he valued their prestige and wisdom, and did not expect them to make the final decision.

Therefore, when the matter is presented to His Majesty later, His Majesty's decision should be based solely on what he and Xiao Yu have said.

"Alas," Changsun Wuji sighed, "His Majesty is ill, and I am also in a state of utter confusion."

"You should know that the Crown Prince is His Majesty's son, but he is also my nephew... I am also exhausted from handling this case."

"Once this matter is settled, I will submit a memorial to His Majesty requesting to retire. I have no other concern for other matters."

"Oh... Lord Changsun, please take care..." Xiao Yu gently twirled the Buddhist beads tucked in his sleeve, pondered for a moment, and seemed to understand.

Everyone says that Changsun Wuji is His Majesty's confidant and is most adept at understanding His Majesty's intentions, and indeed he is.

When the Crown Prince plotted rebellion, His Majesty specially appointed his maternal uncle to preside over the trial. Ostensibly, this showed his trust in the prince, but secretly, it also indicated his intention to protect and pardon him.

Changsun Wuji's words clearly implied that the Crown Prince should be treated leniently.

Oh, that's true. In recent years, Prince Wei, Li Tai, has been emulating His Majesty's actions step by step:

The establishment of the literary museum and the recruitment of talented individuals from all directions are a clear replica of the past events of the eighteen scholars of the Tian Ce Mansion.

Changsun Wuji's current status is similar to that of Pei Ji during the reign of Emperor Gaozu.

When His Majesty ascended the throne, former officials of the Tian Ce Mansion occupied key positions in the court.

Pei Ji and other veteran officials, however, were ultimately alienated and neglected.

If the King of Wei also succeeds in seizing the throne, the court will be filled by the King of Wei's faction from the Literary Academy.

At that time, where will Changsun Wuji be placed?

In contrast, it was the crown prince...

Although he had no one to rely on, he still needed to depend on the Changsun family.

Xiao Yu pondered.

After passing through numerous palace gates, the group soon arrived at the Zhu Ming Gate.

From a distance, one could see a group of people already standing and waiting at the gate.

The two men at the head of the group, dressed in purple robes, were none other than Prince Wei, Li Tai, and Prince Jin, Li Zhi.

"Your subjects greet the King of Wei and the King of Jin," the four men said, bowing to the two kings.

Li Tai was plump and handsome. He forced a smile, quickly stepped forward, and spoke with utmost deference:

"Uncle and gentlemen, please don't stand on ceremony. You're making me feel too embarrassed."

"You are all pillars of the court, and the fate of our Great Tang Dynasty rests entirely on your support. Even in the future, Qingque will rely heavily on you. How can I accept your hospitality lightly?"

His words, while appropriate, also seemed a bit too eager.

A strange look appeared on the faces of all four of them.

Li Tai had already reached Changsun Wuji's side and said, "Uncle, you've been investigating cases all night; you must be exhausted. Come, let Qingque help you..."

He reached out to help Changsun Wuji up.

Changsun Wuji, however, slightly fluttered his sleeves and stood up, just in time to dodge Li Tai's outstretched fat hand.

"Your Majesty, the King of Wei is too kind. The Tang Dynasty is what it is today, all thanks to Your Majesty. We are merely following in Your Majesty's footsteps."

"I am in relatively good health, so I will not trouble Your Majesty."

Changsun Wuji spoke in a detached tone.

Li Tai was met with a rebuff, and his heart sank slightly, but he didn't say much and could only stand awkwardly to the side.

Behind him, Prince Li Zhi of Jin stood with his head bowed, his figure slender, exuding a timid and respectful demeanor.

After Li Tai and Changsun Wuji finished speaking, Li Zhi cautiously stepped forward.

He bowed to Xiao Yu and the other two, as well as Changsun Wuji and the others, and said, "This servant greets all the ministers, and greets my uncle..."

Before he could finish speaking, he seemed to slip and fall straight at Changsun Wuji.

"Watch out!" Everyone was about to exclaim.

Changsun Wuji instinctively reached out and supported him firmly.

Li Zhi seized the opportunity to grab Changsun Wuji's sleeve, using Changsun Wuji's strength to steady himself, looking as if he was still in shock.

After regaining his footing, Li Zhi let out a soft sigh of relief, as if relieved. Suddenly remembering something, he hurriedly bowed to Changsun Wuji and said:

"Thank you, Uncle."

His body was still trembling slightly, his face flushed, and his voice carried a sense of inferiority and embarrassment, as if he were mocking himself:

"Uncle, you flatter me. I am utterly useless; without your help, I wouldn't even be able to stand properly."