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

Chapter 107: Admonition from Li Chengqian

Just as Li Shimin was secretly discussing the reform of the imperial examination system with Changsun Wuji because of Li Xiang's "last memorial".

Unaware that he had already altered the course of history to some extent, Li Xiang was still recuperating from his beating wounds on his bed in Longqingfang.

"Brother!"

Li Xiang was lying on the bed, sighing and groaning because of yet another failed attempt at courting death. Just then, his adopted younger brother, Li Jue, rushed into the room.

"Father wants you to come over; he says he wants to talk to you!"

Li Xiang's cheap father, Li Chengqian? What does he want from me? Li Xiang hesitated for a moment, then followed Li Jue to the backyard where Li Chengqian lived.

The door to the backyard, which was usually closed, was unusually open. Li Chengqian was sitting on a stool and gestured for Li Xiang to sit down when he saw him arrive.

"—Does Father not know I was injured by the beating? How can I sit?" Li Xiang rolled his eyes.

A hint of embarrassment appeared on Li Chengqian's face, but more than that, it was a look of heartache.

He led Li Xiang directly to the couch, made Li Xiang lie down, and sat down beside the couch himself. Then, patting Li Xiang's back, he said with emotion, "It is your father's incompetence that made you, a young boy, stand up for your father, resulting in you suffering such humiliation time and time again."

In a short period of time, Li Xiang had been punished twice. This time, he was first imprisoned, and then dragged to the East Market to be threatened with beheading.

This time it was just a scare tactic; who knows if that person will actually do it next time?

After all, to that person, his eldest son was nothing more than a grandson born out of wedlock.

In Li Chengqian's view, Li Xiang had narrowly escaped death.

Although he was never one to smile or laugh in front of his family, how could he remain unmoved by Li Xiang's filial piety?

Outsiders all believed that Crown Prince Li Chengqian was muddle-headed, mad, and eccentric.

Little did people know that he was actually quite sentimental. Not to mention his deep filial piety towards Empress Zhangsun, even towards Chengxin, who was just a musician, he still remembered their past relationship and secretly set up a memorial tablet to worship her, even though he knew it would anger Emperor Li Er.

Not to mention Li Xiang, his son who repeatedly "stood up for him".

Seeing Li Chengqian's reaction, Li Xiang was also somewhat moved. He had already heard from Su that when Li Chengqian learned of his imprisonment, he had repeatedly tried to break out of the prison despite his tumor-ridden leg, and even cursed Ji Shimin.

In order to extricate himself from the situation, Li Chengqian wrote a list full of the secrets of the powerful families in Chang'an all night long, and entrusted the imperial guard Liu Zhi to present it to Sun Fujia, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

If it weren't for the swift action of aristocratic officials like Zheng Renzhe, who relied on this register, Sun Fujia would have been able to gather evidence to threaten the aristocratic families, divide and conquer them, and dismantle their alliance.

When Li Xiang received the roster from Sun Fujia, he was amazed: his cheap father had truly earned his eighteen years as crown prince.

The relationships listed on that register were incredibly complex, filled with all sorts of shady dealings. It's unclear how it ended up in the ears of this former crown prince.

With such talent, it would be a real waste not to use it for espionage.

"I have summoned you here because there is something I need to remind you of," Li Chengqian said, his face showing undisguised worry.

"The most powerful and influential families are the most arrogant and self-important. But those people still care about their reputation and their family fortune. At most, they will incite the emperor to do something that is not good for you."

"But that person is far more insidious. Those aristocratic families in the court all want to kill you; it's probably their doing."

"That person?" Li Xiang raised an eyebrow. "My father said so—"

"Could it be Prince Li Tai of Wei?"

"If it's not him, then who else could it be?" When Li Chengqian spoke of Li Tai, a look of undisguised disgust flashed in his eyes.

"That scoundrel Li Tai is always good at putting on airs. Many noble families and high-ranking officials are willing to befriend him."

"How do you think he compiled that 'Gazetteer of the Land'?"

"The aristocratic families have always regarded the place where their clan resides as their foundation. How can one survey the geography of the Nine Provinces without the consent and assistance of these aristocratic families?"

"Furthermore, compiling the *Kuodi Zhi* required examining classical texts, organizing local gazetteers, and supplementing numerous books, many of which were held by gentry families. How could one have compiled the *Kuodi Zhi* without a close relationship with these families?"

"If there is one person in the world who can connect with all the powerful families so quickly, it is none other than Li Tai." As Li Chengqian spoke, the deposed crown prince's face showed hatred when he thought of Li Tai reaching out to his beloved son.

"Oh." Li Xiang suddenly realized that Li Chengqian was indeed worthy of being Li Tai's lifelong rival. Recalling what Sun Fujia had mentioned about the massive "public opinion" coup by aristocratic officials, Li Xiang immediately believed seven-tenths of what he said.

He suddenly understood something and asked Li Chengqian, "So, Father, the reason you were able to write that register was because you were wary of those powerful families helping Li Tai, and that's why you had someone secretly investigate?"

"Indeed." Li Chengqian nodded, casting an approving glance at Li Xiang. "Back when I was the Crown Prince overseeing the country, those aristocratic families didn't think much of me, the ailing crown prince. So, they openly or secretly vied to join Li Tai."

"They wield considerable power and are actively supporting Li Tai. My secret investigation was merely a precaution."

""

"Who would have thought that before I could even instigate Li Tai and the gentry, I myself would fall into the hands of that scoundrel Hegan Chengji." Li Chengqian smiled bitterly.

Li Xiang was taken aback, and then suddenly understood why Li Chengqian was called the "Prince of the Barbarians." His imitation of barbarian customs and his closeness to barbarian people were perhaps attempts to win over another force in the court, the "barbarian officials," and bring them under his control.

After all, among the forces in the court, the Shandong gentry collectively favored Prince Wei; the Guanlong aristocracy were ostensibly part of the emperor's faction, remaining impartial in the struggle for the throne, and even, in Li Chengqian's view, were subtly leaning towards Prince Wei, Li Tai, due to their many marriage alliances with the Shandong gentry; the Jiangnan gentry, on the other hand, had always been neutral, and there was no hope of winning them over.

Only the Hu people and officials came from outside, like the Ashina family and generals such as Qibi Heli, who were close to the emperor but had no connection with the aristocratic clans. They were forces in the court that the crown prince could win over and leverage without worrying about arousing Li Er's suspicion.

Moreover, Hu people are simple and innocent, without so many ulterior motives, which makes them more trustworthy to Li Chengqian.

But Li Chengqian did not expect that before he could win over those Hu officials and generals, his most trusted Hu loyalist, Hegan Chengji, would turn around and deliver a fatal blow to him.

Li Xiang couldn't help but shake his head: Li Chengqian, who thought the Hu people were trustworthy, was truly naive.

Later, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was also worried that the various military governors would become too powerful and he believed that the generals who came from non-Han backgrounds were rootless and simple-minded, and therefore more trustworthy.

Therefore, they extensively employed foreign generals and appointed military governors from non-Han backgrounds.

Then An Lushan stabbed Pi Yanzi in the back.

Although the underlying reasons are different, their downfall was not solely due to their trust in the Hu people.

But—the plot is so similar.

To put it bluntly, Li Chengqian lacked his own power base, and was surrounded by a group of marginalized figures and disillusioned individuals. His attempts to cultivate or ingratiate himself with the Hu (non-Han) forces largely failed. In contrast, Prince Wei, Li Tai, was backed by most of the Shandong gentry, including the Five Clans and Seven Noble Families.

"You have completely offended Li Tai and the Shandong gentry. If this plan fails, that scoundrel Li Tai will surely take further action!"

"You must be careful of Li Tai! This scoundrel is vengeful and will not let this go easily."

Li Chengqian's words were a stern warning to Li Xiang, his expression revealing both his fear of Prince Wei, Li Tai, and his concern for Li Xiang.

Li Xiang's eyes, however, grew brighter and brighter.

Is the King of Wei really that powerful?

Isn't that perfect?

For some reason, Li Shimin did not make up his mind to depose Li Tai and install Li Zhi in his place.

Since this fatso is known for his narrow-mindedness and vindictiveness, I'll provoke him a few more times.

This forced him to use all the power of the aristocratic families and exhaust the resources of the court to deal with me.

This drove him to desperation, and he desperately urged Li Er to get rid of me, this troublesome grandson of the emperor.

Wouldn't that mean the great thing would be accomplished?