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

"What is...a movie star?" "And just now, he was going to say...martial arts what?"

Li Zhi was startled to realize that he had momentarily lost his composure and forgotten to restrain his expression. He quickly suppressed the turmoil in his heart and lowered his head to look away.

But the heart inside his chest was still pounding wildly because of the half-finished character "武" (wu, meaning martial arts) in Li Xiang's mouth, almost bursting out of his chest.

Fortunately, everyone's attention was completely drawn to Li Xiang's futile struggles and muffled groans, and it's likely that no one noticed his unusual behavior just now...

"That brat...could it be..." "No, impossible! My affair with Sister Wu has always been a closely guarded secret; no one else knows about it..."

Unable to suppress the panic in his heart, he secretly raised his eyes and quickly glanced at Li Xiang, who was being held firmly by Li Junxian. The image of Li Xiang looking at him in Longqingfang that day, which made him feel extremely uncomfortable, involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

"But what if... what if he really knows something..."

A barely suppressed murderous intent flashed across Li Zhi's eyes. His heart tightened, and he quickly lowered his head again, desperately suppressing the murderous aura, afraid that this fleeting ruthlessness would be noticed by anyone around him—especially his father, Emperor Li Shimin.

On the other side, seeing that Li Xiang was finally subdued and could no longer utter wild words, Li Shimin felt a slight relief from his frustration, and a smug smile appeared on his lips. He was completely unaware of the strange behavior of Li Zhi beside him.

When he turned to look at Li Zhi, the young man had already composed himself and put on his usual timid and submissive demeanor, with his head bowed and eyes downcast.

"Zhi Nu, you are very good." Li Shimin's tone softened, and he praised her gently, a rare hint of approval in his eyes.

He then turned to look at Changsun Wuji, and then swept his gaze over the officials below the steps, asking in a deep voice, "Fuji, my esteemed ministers, what do you think of what Zhinu said?"

"Your Highness Prince Jin is respectful, kind, and benevolent. Every word you say is reasonable and far surpasses what I have said. I am deeply ashamed." Changsun Wuji immediately bowed and replied, his tone respectful and without the slightest displeasure.

In his view, the most important thing was to build momentum for Prince Li Zhi of Jin and solidify his position as heir apparent. Li Xiang was nothing more than a minor ailment, not worth worrying about.

Moreover, Li Xiang's statement that "the powerful and influential officials of the court and aristocratic families control the succession to the throne and arbitrarily decide the emperor's position" does not seem to have aroused His Majesty's vigilance.

Changsun Wuji observed Li Shimin's expression without revealing his feelings. Seeing that Li Shimin's face was calm and there was nothing unusual about him, Changsun Wuji breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had survived a disaster.

Although his face still maintained that calm and composed demeanor, his back beneath his robes was already soaked with cold sweat, sticking stickily to his body and making him very uncomfortable.

Indeed, Li Xiang's words had struck a nerve with him. After all, the reason he had poured all his resources into supporting Prince Li Zhi was so that he could use his position as a minister to secure his power and even... expand the prestige and influence of the Changsun clan.

"I was caught off guard just now and acted too rashly, almost revealing my presence..." Changsun Wuji reflected to himself, reminding himself, "It's not the right time to say anything. I should just observe the situation."

Seeing that Changsun Wuji had expressed his opinion, Cen Wenben also stepped forward at the right time, bowed and said: "I think that what Prince Jin said is very true. Although the grandson of the emperor, Li Xiang, spoke arrogantly and presumptuously, it was only due to his youthful impetuosity and momentary anger, and he did not truly disobey his sovereign and father."

"Although his words were somewhat inappropriate, his heart was set on filial piety, and he was simply trying to seek justice for his father."

"Moreover, the imperial grandson is still young and his mind is not yet settled. If Your Majesty rashly punishes him for spreading heresies and misleading the public, the people will say that Your Majesty cannot tolerate a young grandson, which will damage Your Majesty's reputation for benevolence."

After saying that, Cen Wenben slightly turned his head and subtly gestured to Yu Zhining beside him with his eyes.

Yu Zhining was already terrified by today's turmoil. Only when his close friend gestured did he manage to calm himself down, and he stepped forward tremblingly, bowing and clasping his hands, his voice still slightly shaking:

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty's wisdom and judgment are profound. Although the Imperial Grandson has violated etiquette, spoken inappropriately, and acted rebelliously and heartlessly."

"However, precisely because of this, Your Majesty should consider the bond between grandfather and grandson, and thus demonstrate to the world that the words of the imperial grandson are utter nonsense."

"Not bad." Li Shimin nodded.

"This scoundrel accuses me of being heartless, but I will certainly not do as he wishes!"

"Waaaaah!" Li Xiang struggled frantically, even trying to kick Yu Zhining... That old dog Yu was actually mocking him!

"As for the gentlemen present," Yu Zhining's fear gradually dissipated after being recognized by Li Shimin.

"Those present here today are all important officials of the court, virtuous and learned men from prominent families. Everyone understands the principles of morality and etiquette, and they all have their own sense of right and wrong."

"Everyone can tell that the imperial grandson is just a young man full of youthful vigor, speaking recklessly and without restraint. His words are all extreme and unfounded, without a shred of evidence."

"Even if His Majesty forgives and does not pursue the matter, in time, these outrageous words will naturally fade away and no one will mention them again."

"Exactly!"

"How can you take my words seriously?"

"Zhi Zeng Xiao Er..."

A chorus of agreement arose from the crowd.

"Ha." Li Shimin chuckled again. He didn't believe that no one with a heart would take Li Xiang's words to heart.

But... it doesn't matter. A few rumors.

It still cannot shake Li Shimin's empire.

"Li Xiang." He walked up to Li Xiang.

"You say I am a tyrannical ruler, that I have sown the seeds of future trouble for the Tang Dynasty."

"I will not let you have your way."

"I will definitely choose the most suitable crown prince for the Tang Dynasty. I will tell future generations that choosing a virtuous and capable heir can ensure the longevity of the nation."

"The Tang Dynasty that I personally built will never be like the Jin and Sui Dynasties."

"Instead, it will shine like the Han Dynasty, its glory lasting for eternity!"

Li Xiang was stunned.

"I am right. I cannot be wrong, nor can I be wrong."

Li Shimin's eyes, filled with obsession and confidence, at that moment even surpassed those of Li Chengqian when he went mad.

Even Li Xiang, facing this overwhelming obsession from the emperor so closely, couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in his heart.

"I want you to..." Li Shimin patted Li Xiang's shoulder, whose mouth was covered.

"...come before me crying and apologize!" Li Shimin said.

"I can definitely do it!"

"Bullshit!" Li Xiang glared fiercely at Li Shimin, wanting to kick him.

But the tall and strong Li Junxian immediately noticed, and with his thick arms, he held him tightly.

Li Xiang immediately forgot to glare at Li Shimin, rolled his eyes, and almost fainted from being held by Li Junxian.

...Brother, do you even know you have body odor?!

Those damn primitive people of the Tang Dynasty were so unhygienic!

"However, while the young servant is magnanimous, I cannot let this rebellious son go unpunished!" Li Shimin felt he had the upper hand over Li Xiang, so he stood up and declared loudly.

"By imperial decree! The deposed Crown Prince Li Chengqian, despite being imprisoned, has failed to properly discipline his family, allowing his son to escape and disturb the imperial banquet. Effective immediately, the entire family of Longqing Ward shall be placed under stricter confinement, their rations reduced, and they shall never again be permitted to receive guests at will!"

"Imperial grandson Li Xiang has violated the prohibition by leaving his prison and trespassing into the forbidden garden. He shall be punished with forty strokes of the cane and immediately escorted back to Longqing Ward for strict confinement!"

"Without my special decree, you shall never leave your residence, nor shall you associate with members of the imperial family or court officials, and your descendants shall never enter the court!"

"If they dare to flee or speak recklessly again, I will strip them of their imperial lineage without mercy!"