Chapter 9
Almost out of instinct, Li Shimin walked quickly towards the Prince's Mansion with firm steps. The sun shone on his body, reflecting his resolute face and frowning brows. His heart was filled with worry and urgency, as if he had a premonition that something major was about to happen.
When he just opened the door, a strong aroma of tea and the melodious voice of drama hit his face. I saw Prince Li Chengqian sitting there, listening to a group of actors singing in a leisurely manner. Next to him, there was a good-looking actor sitting. The actor was smiling and graceful. He was very close to the prince and seemed quite intimate. Their interaction is full of ambiguity, which makes people suspicious.
Li Shimin's face instantly became as cold as iron, and his eyes revealed deep disappointment and anger. He walked quickly to Li Chengqian and asked coldly: "Li Chengqian, what are you doing!" His voice was low and powerful, as if containing endless anger.
"Grandpa, I..." Li Chengqian raised his head and was shocked when he saw Li Shimin suddenly appearing. He stood up in panic, a look of confusion on his face. The actor was so frightened by this sudden situation that his face turned pale, and he stood aside trembling.
At this time, Li Chengqian was wearing a gorgeous brocade robe with exquisite embroidery patterns on it, demonstrating his noble status. His hair was neatly combed and fixed with a gold hairpin, and his face was handsome and slightly childish. However, at this moment, his eyes were full of confusion and panic, completely lacking the confidence and calmness of the past.
The actress was wearing an elegant costume embroidered with delicate flowers. Her skin was like snow, her face was beautiful, and her beautiful eyes were shining with hope. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, swaying slightly as she moved. She stood there with a graceful figure, like a blooming flower, exuding charming charm. But at this moment, her face was full of fear and helplessness, and her eyes revealed confusion and worry about the future.
Li Shimin pointed his finger at Li Chengqian and was speechless for a long time. His eyes were full of disappointment and pain, as if the man in front of him was no longer the son he once had high hopes for. After a while, he slowly said: "Qian'er, I'm so disappointed in you!" His voice was full of helplessness and grief, which made people feel pity.
Oh, I've expected something a long time ago, but now I'm still struggling with it. Li Chengqian is not suitable for the position of prince in the first place, and I don’t know why you are so stubborn. So what if he is the son of Empress Changsun? No moral character means no moral character. Look, you, Li Shimin, are also a person who will never give up until he reaches the Yellow River. Li Qingge stood aside, watching all this silently, complaining secretly in his heart. She was wearing a simple and elegant dress, her long hair fell like a waterfall on her shoulders, and her face looked a little indifferent and indifferent. Her eyes were clear and sharp, as if she could see through the essence of everything.
"According to my decree, the East Palace is under confinement. Without my decree, no one is allowed to visit!" In anger, Li Shimin coldly ordered, but in the end he still could not make up his mind to depose the prince. . His heart was full of contradictions and struggles. He was angry and disappointed with Li Chengqian's behavior, but he couldn't bear to give up on him completely.
Oops, when you are the emperor, why are you, Li Shimin, so indecisive? Look, you can't depose the crown prince until the last minute. With such a preference, it's no wonder that the prince was trained to be so useless. Forget it, this is not something I can control in the first place, I'd better just be my salted fish with peace of mind! Li Qingge thought to himself, with a disdainful smile on his face.
Li Shimin saw that he mentioned this matter many times and knew that Li Chengqian was really going to rebel after all. But because she loved Empress Changsun, she decided to give the prince another chance. After issuing the order, Li Shimin and Li Qingge left together. The sun shines on them, reflecting their figures, making them look particularly lonely.
"Master, I was wrong, Master, I was wrong!" Li Chengqian squatted on the ground, with a look of regret on his face. His voice was full of pain and remorse, as if he had realized his mistake. However, Li Shimin, who was extremely disappointed, did not look back, and the door of the East Palace slowly closed as Li Shimin left.
"Master, I was wrong, I was wrong, Master..." Li Chengqian's voice echoed in the air, full of endless sadness and regret. His face was covered with tears, and his eyes revealed deep despair. He stood up slowly and looked at the closed door, feeling full of loss and helplessness.
"You bastard! This is really nonsense!" Li Shimin said sternly on the way. His voice was full of anger and dissatisfaction, as if he wanted to vent all the anger in his heart. His face was terrifyingly gloomy, as if he might explode at any time.
"I'm going to destroy him!" Li Shimin seemed to be saying to himself or to Li Qingge. His eyes showed firm determination, as if he had made up his mind to the end.
What does the emperor mean? Why didn't he just tell me what he wanted to do in front of me? Are you waiting for me to tell him to depose the crown prince? This Li Shimin is so hypocritical! The prince is like this, are you really waiting for him to rebel... Li Qingge looked at Li Shimin's angry look and thought to himself. There was still a bit of indifference and indifference on her face, as if she was accustomed to all this.
"No matter what your Majesty does, I will support your Majesty's decision!" Li Qingge said nonsense that was decent but of no practical use. There was a bit of perfunctory and helplessness in her voice, as if she was tired of it all.
......
Li Shimin shook his head helplessly. This Li Qingge could still be so indifferent at this time. It seems that he really has no interest in power. He raised his head and looked at the floating clouds in the sky, filled with emotion. The sun shone on his face, reflecting his resolute face and deep eyes.
"Forget it, this matter actually has nothing to do with you!" Li Shimin said, suddenly waving his hand to signal the eunuch next to him to come over. "Your Majesty." The eunuch responded respectfully, waiting for the emperor to speak.
"The actor who bewitched the prince is guilty of serious crimes and plotted to harm the country and the country. He should be sentenced to death immediately!" Li Shimin said coldly. From this, it seems that he is still not reconciled to Li Chengqian's matter. His voice was full of anger and determination, as if he wanted to eradicate all evil completely.
"Yes!" After receiving the order, the eunuch went to handle the matter. The sun shone on the eunuch's body, reflecting his hurried figure.
Oh, this is too bloody and violent! This actor was so unlucky that he eventually became a victim of power. This Li Shimin is seriously ill! I don’t know what Li Shimin is thinking, being so partial to his own son, and killing a little actor at will! Look, even the world of benevolent politics is based on a certain degree of bloodshed. Sure enough, under the rule of the emperor, human life is like a piece of grass. I'd better not provoke Li Shimin as much as possible. Li Qingge looked at the eunuch's leaving figure and thought to himself.
Li Shimin listened to his inner words very helplessly. In Li Qingge's eyes, he had now become a monarch who killed innocent people indiscriminately. His heart was filled with helplessness and grief, as if he was tired of it all. But he knew that as an emperor, some things had to be done. Failure to do so will plunge the country into chaos and instability.
If the actor does not die, there will definitely be scandals in the royal family. Compared with human lives, the stability of the royal family is naturally more important. He didn't want to go on a killing spree, but there was no other way. Forget it, I can understand you. As a king, there must be many things that must be chosen. If it were me, I would make the same choice. Thinking about it this way, fortunately it's not me, and I don't have so many trivial things to worry about. Let’s see if my salty fish life is better. Just lie there and the day will pass. I don’t need to worry about things at home and outside the home. It’s perfect. Just this Li Shimin, when will you let me go back? Sun, really It's a bit impressive.
"Cheng Aiqing has been with me for so long today. You have really worked hard. Aiqing, please go back first." As soon as Li Qingge finished complaining, Li Shimin suddenly thought of something and asked him to go back. The sun shines on Li Shimin's body, reflecting his tired face and deep eyes.
Oh, it’s amazing! Just now I was complaining about Li Shimin who wouldn't let me go back. Now as soon as he finished complaining, he let me go back. It's amazing. I have to say that Li Shimin is quite considerate sometimes. As soon as I thought of this, he actually did it for me silently. This is good, and it would be even better if it could stay like this! Li Qingge thought to himself, with a relieved smile on his face.
She turned around slowly and walked towards her residence. The sun shone on her body, reflecting her lonely figure. Her heart was filled with emotion and helplessness, as if she was tired of it all. But she knew that she had to face it all firmly, because this was her destiny.
On the next day, Li Shimin publicly announced in the court that he had deposed the prince. At that time, Li Shimin had been on the throne for less than two years. As soon as this decision came out, the entire court suddenly became excited.
"Your Majesty must not do it!" "Your Majesty, think twice! Your Majesty, it is now two years since your Majesty took the throne, and the first priority is the stability of the country!"
…………
This matter As soon as the decision was made, the ministers in the court felt as if they had been struck by thunder on a sunny day. The shock in their hearts was so shocking that it could shake their souls away. They looked at each other, their eyes full of shock and confusion, as if they had just experienced a dream-like change.
Li Shimin sat high on the dragon chair, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, majestic and solemn. He glanced down and saw that the ministers were like fallen leaves swept by the autumn wind, and they were all pounding in their hearts, unable to guess what the old man was thinking. The calculation in Li Shimin's heart was as deep as a well, and no one could fathom it to the bottom. His face is as calm as water, but it hides his turbulent means and unfathomable city.
Before, he was hesitant about this matter, but now he just did it. The emperor's thoughts were more elusive than the winding river. But having said that, it is reasonable to depose the weak and incompetent prince Cheng Qian. After all, Cheng Qian's weakness and incompetence had already been widely circulated in the court. He was really not the emperor. Although the ministers felt sorry in their hearts, they also understood that this was for the sake of the future of the Tang Dynasty.
As soon as Cheng Qian was deposed, everyone began to wonder, who would be crown prince? Prince Tai? Li Shimin really loves his fat son, and he is the son of Empress Changsun, so you can imagine how much he dotes on him. But things are unpredictable. It is written in the history books that Zhi was the one who finally took the top spot. This is also fate. The ministers each have their own plans in mind, but no one dares to reveal their thoughts easily.
Qing Ge was silently thinking about this, her eyes were sharp and deep, as if she could see into people's hearts. She was wearing an elegant dress, and her behavior revealed a unique temperament. Suddenly, Li Shimin spoke, staring directly at her: "Cheng Aiqing, you went to the Prince's Mansion with me yesterday. What you saw and heard, tell me in detail, should Cheng Qian be abolished?" This question made the whole family angry. Qingge was confused by the question. She never expected that the emperor would call her name.
“Hey, Li Shimin already knew this, and he asked this on purpose because he wanted me to be that black-faced father-in-law!” Qingge felt bitter in her heart, but she still had to pretend to be a good person on her face. With a respectful look, "Your Majesty, how dare I dare to discuss such a big matter as abolishing the throne? Your Majesty should discuss it with other ministers." Her voice was cold and firm, revealing a kind of An unmistakable aura.
Seeing her say this, Li Shimin seemed not to let her go: "Cheng Qing, it's okay to say it." There was an inexplicable light in his eyes, as if he wanted to see through Qing Ge's true thoughts.
"Your Majesty, you have to push me into the fire pit! Why do you involve me in the matter between father and son? I was shot while I was lying down!" Qing Ge thought in his heart She was helpless, but she still had to be polite, "Your Majesty, I really have nothing to say. The matter of abolishing the establishment depends entirely on your Majesty's decree!" There was a kind of indifference and detachment in her words, as if she was speaking to the court. He didn't care about the disputes in the hall.
When Li Shimin saw that she was still doing Tai Chi like this, he waved her hand to stop. There was a hint of displeasure in his eyes, but he also understood Qingge's difficulty. When the ministers saw Li Shimin asking Qingge alone, they were all surprised. They talked privately: "General Cheng has been in great prosperity recently!" !" Their words were full of envy and admiration for Qing Ge.
Li Shimin sat on it, listening to the discussion below, and already had an idea in his mind. He is well aware of the disputes and undercurrents in the court, but he also understands that a decision must be made. "I have made up my mind. From today on, I will abolish Li Chengqian's position as crown prince!" As soon as these words came out, the court immediately exploded. Ministers stood up one after another to admonish, but Li Shimin had made up his mind. He waved his hand and said, "No need to say any more, I have made up my mind." His voice was firm and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty.
The little eunuch responded and left in a hurry. He understood the significance of this decision and the responsibility he shouldered. Li Shimin's decision completely kicked Cheng Qian out of the game. He knew very well in his heart that the lessons of the Xuanwu Gate Incident were still there. How could he let future generations repeat the same mistakes? As for who will go to the reserve, he has his own plans. There was a profound light in his eyes, as if he had seen the future prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
As for Qingge, she feels quite calm. She thought: "Li Shimin, Li Shimin, even if you want me to be idle, it's impossible. You must want to make good use of my abilities." But she was also happy to be idle, after all, the disputes in the court were not What she wanted. What she yearns for is a carefree and unrestrained life.
Seeing Li Shimin's determination, the ministers said nothing more and dispersed one after another. They each have their own plans in mind, but no one dares to reveal their thoughts easily. Qing Ge also returned to her house leisurely. To her, it was as if this incident had never happened. She sat on a stone bench in the garden and admired the beautiful scenery around her. The garden is filled with the fragrance of flowers and shaded by green trees, making it seem like a fairyland on earth. She secretly rejoiced: "Li Shimin didn't keep me down to work overtime today, and I feel even more happy." Her face was filled with a smile of satisfaction and happiness, as if she had forgotten the disputes and worries in the court.
For Qingge, this is really a blessing. She stood in a corner of the court, looking calmly at the ministers who were talking about each other, but her heart felt peaceful. She knew very well that the turmoil in the court had nothing to do with her. All she wanted was to maintain her own peace in this troubled world.
As soon as Li Shimin stepped into the palace, Queen Changsun followed her in dragging her sick body. Her face was as pale as paper, but her eyes were as firm as iron, as if she wanted to use her last strength to fight for a glimmer of life for her son.
"Your Majesty, look at my concubine's body. She shouldn't move around much, but she really couldn't worry about Cheng Qian, so she came here." Empress Changsun said softly, with a tremor in her voice. Li Shimin knew as soon as he heard that she came to plead for Cheng Qian, and he couldn't help but feel helpless in his heart.
"Queen, your health is not good, why are you here? Do you remember what I promised you two days ago?" Li Shimin was gentle with a hint of helplessness. He looked at the queen's anxious expression and felt already in his heart. Understand most of it. He knew that Empress Changsun had always regarded Cheng Qian as her thorn in the side. Now that she saw that he was about to be deposed, how could she not be anxious?
"Your Majesty, have you forgotten what you said? After all, Chengqian is your eldest son and my concubine's heart. Even if he makes a mistake, please keep it in mind. For the sake of it, let him stay in the East Palace. He has been pampered since he was a child in a cold and cold place like Qianzhou, how can he bear it?" Queen Changsun said with a cry in her voice. When she thought about her son being demoted to such a far place, her heart hurt like a knife.
Li Shimin felt sad in his heart when he saw Empress Changsun in pain. He knew that what Cheng Qian did was indeed disappointing, but seeing Queen Changsun in such pain, he couldn't help but feel a little soft.
"Cheng Qian, this kid, is really becoming more and more useless. He only knows how to play with the actors all day long, and he doesn't speak properly. He has completely embarrassed the royal family!" Li Shimin thought of what Cheng Qian had done. What he did made him angry. He looked at Empress Changsun with hatred, hoping that she would understand his painstaking efforts.
Queen Changsun was stunned. She did not expect that the matter would be so serious. Her eyes were full of disbelief and pain, as if the whole world had collapsed.
"How could he become like this!" After Queen Changsun said this, she suddenly coughed violently. The handkerchief was stained with bright red blood again, which seemed to be a symbol of the pain in her heart.
Li Shimin patted her back distressedly and comforted: "Queen, you have to take care of yourself. Don't worry too much about this matter." His voice was full of helplessness and distress. He knew that his eldest grandson The queen has always regarded Cheng Qian as everything in her life, and now he feels very sad to see her in such pain. "How can I not worry about this? But now that the matter has come to this, perhaps it is the best choice to keep him away from the capital." Although Empress Changsun was unwilling, she also knew that Li Shimin's decision would not be changed easily. She has served Li Shimin for many years and knows very well that he has a strong and decisive character and will not change things easily once he decides.
She murmured to herself: "Children and grandchildren will have their own blessings, and I can't protect them forever." After saying that, she left in a daze. Her back looked so thin and weak, as if she would fall down at any time.
Li Shimin looked at her back and sighed softly. He knew that Empress Changsun was in a very heavy mood, but he also understood his responsibilities and mission as the emperor. He must think about the future of Datang and cannot destroy the entire country for the sake of a useless son.
As soon as the emperor's decision came out, there was an uproar among the people. The people were talking about Cheng Qian's dethronement and speculating on the candidate for the new prince. Officials at the top and bottom of the court are also paying attention to this sensitive topic. They have their own thoughts and are divided into different factions.
The atmosphere at the court meeting the next day was extremely serious. The ministers were waiting to see how the emperor would decide on the new crown prince, but no one dared to speak easily for fear of offending Long Yan. They all know that Li Shimin has a strong and decisive character, and once decided, he will not change it easily.
At this time, Wei Zheng stood up and said in a loud voice: "Since your Majesty has abolished Cheng Qian's position as crown prince, you should establish a new crown prince as soon as possible to stabilize the court situation." His tone was firm and decisive, as if he was speaking for the sake of the entire court. Think about the future.
Li Shimin felt a lot more relaxed after hearing Wei Zheng's words. He followed Wei Zheng's words and said, "Wei Qing is right. This matter should indeed be resolved as soon as possible." There was a hint of relief and appreciation in his tone. He knew that Wei Zheng had always been a far-sighted minister.
Then he turned to look at the ministers and asked: "So who do you think is qualified for this position?" There was a light of expectation and inquiry in his eyes, as if he was waiting for the ministers. answer.
【Hmph! Li Shimin is so cunning! He clearly made his decision, but he deliberately used Wei Zheng to test our tone. ] Qing Ge thought silently in his heart. Although she is a woman, in this male-dominated dynasty, she has won Li Shimin's appreciation and trust with her talent and wisdom. She knew Li Shimin's thoughts and strategies well, and also understood why he wanted to use Wei Zheng to test the tone of the ministers.
[But having said that, establishing a crown prince is indeed a major event, related to the stability and future development of the court. ] Qingge thought silently in her heart again. She knew that the choice of the crown prince was crucial to the entire court. Once the wrong person was chosen, it could lead to turmoil and unrest in the entire court.
[And not long after the emperor ascended the throne, the Turks and other rebel parties were eyeing us. Setting up the heir early can also cut off their covetous intentions. 】Qing Ge silently analyzed the situation in his heart. She knew that in this turbulent era, Datang needed a wise prince to stabilize the situation and appease the people.
Qingge thought about these things silently in her heart, but she did not say it out loud. Because the choice of the crown prince is not important to her, she is more concerned about how to maintain her own peace and happiness in this troubled world. But the ministers are different. They are divided into different factions with their own thoughts, and they are all fighting endlessly for their own interests.
Li Tai wants to compete for the position of crown prince, but Wuji is more optimistic about governance. The ministers also continued to dispute because of their own interests, and the entire court was full of undercurrents and intrigues. But Zhi is young after all, so Li Tai temporarily gets the support of more people. He used his power and status to continuously win over people's hearts and expand his sphere of influence.
At this moment, Li Tai suddenly stood up. He swore and said: "Father, I know your worries well. Although I am incompetent, I only have one son. I am willing to get rid of him with my own hands so that I can pass on the throne to my younger brother!" His voice was firm and decisive, as if to say to him The whole world declares its determination and courage.
As soon as these words came out, the entire government and the public were shocked. The ministers all discussed Li Tai's cruelty and determination, and they all speculated whether he would really kill his son for the throne. And Qing Ge also secretly taunted in his heart: "Li Tai's move is really cruel! But if the throne really comes to him twenty years later, who can guarantee that he will not do anything more extreme? Come? He can't escape the criticism and rebuke of the world after all!" There was a cold and indifferent light in her eyes, as if she was watching a farce that had nothing to do with her.
On that sun-dappled afternoon, Li Tai's words were like undercurrents, and his apparent warmth formed a sharp contrast with his inner cunning. His eyes flickered, as if he were hiding endless calculations. It was a kind of cruelty hidden deep in his heart that made people shudder. Li Shimin sat on the dragon chair with a deep gaze. How could he easily trust the person in front of him? Even his own son's desire for power made him wary. He thought of Li Qingge, that woman who could always see into people's hearts. Her eyes were clear and seemed to be able to penetrate all hypocrisy.
Li Qingge stood aside, shaking his head secretly in his heart, full of disdain for Li Tai's actions. She was wearing an elegant dress, her hair was pulled high into a bun, and there was a heroic spirit between her eyebrows, which formed a subtle contrast with the magnificent palace. Her eyes stayed on Li Tai for a moment, a look that was a mixture of disappointment and insight, as if she could see through all his disguises.
"To be honest, I also want to pass the throne to my son. After all, Li Zhi is his biological brother. But who can say for sure what will happen a hundred years from now? How can I easily believe his words?" Li Shimin He sighed, his voice a bit helpless and heavy. He looked out the window, where there was a green bamboo forest, swaying gently in the wind, seeming to be telling something. "I don't want my sons to kill each other for the throne. I will never allow such a tragedy to happen again." His tone was firm, with undoubted power.
Thanks to Li Qingge’s reminder, Li Shimin was not fooled by Li Tai’s rhetoric. He recalled Li Qingge's words that day, which extinguished the fire of hesitation in his heart like cold water and made him sober instantly. Li Qingge's words were always so direct and profound, as if he could penetrate the deepest secrets of people's hearts.
"Nonsense! Li Zhi is also my son! Your son is also my grandson! I will never allow this kind of thing!" Li Shimin was furious, and his voice echoed in the court, making everyone's eardrums hurt. . There was sudden silence in the court hall, and even breathing became cautious.
Li Tai did not expect that things would develop to this point. He originally thought that relying on his reputation among officials and his father's favor for him would be enough for him to win. However, facing Li Shimin's anger at this moment, he felt unprecedented fear.
"Father, I was wrong. I said the wrong thing in a fit of passion, and I will never dare to do it again." Li Tai's voice was trembling. He knelt on the ground, his head lowered as much as possible. , like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.
"You'd better remember what you said today." Li Shimin said coldly. His eyes were as sharp as blades, as if they could penetrate all disguises and look directly into Li Tai's heart. After Li Qingge's reminder, he seemed to see through Li Tai's heart and felt scared. After all, they were his own flesh and blood, so he was almost fooled by Li Tai's appearance.
Seeing this, the ministers began to discuss privately. Among them, some regretted Li Tai's loss of power, while others were grateful for Li Shimin's wisdom.
"Li Shimin loved Li Tai so much before, but now he doesn't make him the prince." A minister whispered.
"Li Shimin is not a fool. Pampering and raising tigers to cause trouble are two different things." Another minister agreed.
"Thinking about Yang Guang's incident still fresh in his mind, Li Shimin must be afraid that Li Tai will become the second Yang Guang when he becomes the prince." An old man sighed.
"There is a reason why Li Shimin became the emperor of the ages. He is very accurate in judging people." A young minister added.
Li Qingge stood aside, listening to the discussions of the ministers, secretly admiring Li Shimin's wisdom. Her eyes were full of admiration, a kind of admiration for a true wise man. She knew that the reason why Li Shimin became a wise king was not only because of his talent and courage, but also because of his heart that could see into people's hearts and distinguish right from wrong.
Li Shimin also thought about Li Qingge's reminder with lingering fear, and was glad that he did not make a big mistake because of his impulse. He looked at Li Qingge, his eyes full of gratitude. He knew that it was Li Qingge's reminder that made him see Li Tai's true face and strengthened his determination.
The days passed like this, and things in the court remained the same. However, the matter regarding the establishment of the crown prince has always been unresolved. Li Shimin looked at the ministers talking about it and felt a little hesitant in his heart. He knew that establishing a prince was a big deal and must be considered carefully.
"About the matter of establishing a crown prince..." Li Shimin saw that everyone was talking about it but no results came out, so he asked, "Do you have any good suggestions?" His voice echoed in the court. with a bit of expectation and inquiry.
Changsun Wuji suddenly stood up and said: "Your Majesty, I think Li Zhi is a good candidate! He is diligent and humble and will definitely become a great person in the future!" His tone was firm and confident, as if he had already seen it. The scene of Li Zhi becoming a wise king. This is actually Changsun Wuji's own little calculation, because Li Zhi is his nephew, and naturally he is much closer to Li Tai than Li Tai. Moreover, he and Li Tai do not have a good relationship. Among the princes, only Li Zhi can count on him.
"But Li Zhi is still young..." Li Shimin said hesitantly. He was indeed worried that Li Zhi was too young to be the crown prince.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty! Although Li Zhi is young, he is already very sensible. As long as he is taught well, he will definitely be qualified for the position of crown prince!" Changsun Wuji said with confidence. His eyes were full of trust and expectation for Li Zhi, as if he had already seen Li Zhi's future glory.
Li Shimin also felt a little shaken after listening to Changsun Wuji's words. He looked at the ministers and found that except for Li Tai and Changsun Wuji, everyone else was just watching the fun. They don't seem to care who they appoint as prince, they only care about whether their own interests will be harmed.
"Although the other princes are older, their reputations are not very good..." Li Shimin sighed and said. He was indeed dissatisfied with the other princes and their reputations and conduct worried him.
"It seems that Li Zhi is indeed a good candidate!" Li Shimin finally made up his mind. He knew that making Li Zhi the prince might cause some controversy and dissatisfaction, but he also believed that as long as Li Zhi was taught well, he would be able to become a qualified prince. And compared to other princes, Li Zhi is indeed a better choice.
Above the main hall, the ministers nodded one after another and whispered in private. The situation in front of me is that although there are several princes like Li Ke who are similar in age, none of them like to study and appear mediocre and incompetent, which is even more disappointing. In contrast, Li Zhi has a kind-hearted personality, is diligent and studious, and seems to be more outstanding than other candidates for the crown prince. It's a pity that he is still young, which becomes the biggest regret.
Li Shimin sat on the dragon throne, his brows furrowed and anxious. He has been extremely smart since he was a child, and has achieved success in both civil and martial arts. Why are all his sons useless? "Alas, I, Li Shimin, lived a wise life, why are my sons so unsatisfactory!" He sighed secretly, his heart full of helplessness and worry. Thinking that although he had the talent to govern the country, his descendants did not seem to inherit this excellence, and he couldn't help but worry about the future of the Tang Dynasty. Is it really going to fall into the hands of a woman? There was a surge of unwillingness and anger in his heart, "I have raised so many sons, but in the end few of them can help. It's really a waste of all my hard work."
At this time, Li Qingge stood aside. She was wearing an elegant palace dress, and there was an aura of intelligence between her brows. She also had mixed feelings in her heart, and she secretly looked at Li Shimin, her eyes full of sympathy and worry. Li Shimin had a delicate mind and immediately noticed her thoughts, as if he could hear the voice in her heart. "How come none of my sons can be like me?" He felt bitter in his heart, recalling that he had been busy with national affairs during these years of fighting in the north and south, neglecting their education, and making them become unruly. He couldn't help but feel A moment of sadness.
The sunlight outside the main hall shines on the ground through the window lattice, forming mottled light and shadow. Li Qingge's eyes fell on those lights and shadows, but his heart was in chaos. She couldn't help but feel a little regretful when she recalled what she once said to Li Shimin, "The Tang Dynasty will be controlled by women." She knew that Li Shimin had always attached great importance to the concept of men being superior to women, and he hated women interfering in politics. But she also knew that Wu Meiniang's existence was indeed a threat. Not only was she favored by Li Shimin, she also skillfully used her charm to influence government affairs.
"Since ancient times, emperors have been men, and it is taboo for women to be involved in politics. How can it be possible for women to truly be in charge? Her words are too ridiculous." Li Shimin's voice echoed in the hall, with a hint of disdain and disdain. anger. But he was a little moved when he mentioned that he had become comatose in his later years. He admitted that he had indeed been negligent in his later years, but he never refused to correct his mistakes. He thought for a moment and decided to listen to Li Qingge's opinions more in the future. He felt that although Li Qingge was young, he had extraordinary experience and what he said was true. He wants to use her as a mirror for himself, always alerting himself.
So, Li Shimin made up his mind to reuse Li Qingge. He believed that her intelligence and keen insight would bring new hope to Datang. As for Li Qingge, he was still immersed in the imagination of playing in the afternoon and was completely unaware of Li Shimin's thoughts. She only felt that she should do her part for the future of Datang, no matter what the cost.
"Li Zhi has a kind-hearted character and is eager to learn. I think he can be made a prince." Li Shimin announced to the ministers. His voice was firm and powerful, as if he had made a final decision. Changsun Wuji immediately stepped forward to express his support: "Your Majesty is wise, Li Zhi will definitely live up to his expectations." There was a hint of eagerness and expectation in his words, as if he had already seen the day when Li Zhi became the prince. But Li Qingge knew in his heart that Changsun Wuji's move was more out of his own selfishness. She knew that Changsun Wuji had always wanted to consolidate his position, and supporting Li Zhi to become the prince was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity.
However, what happened next made Li Shimin furious. Li Qingge accidentally mentioned the word "stepmother", which touched his nerves. He slapped the armrest of the dragon chair angrily, "My stepmother is my concubine, how can I allow others to insult her!" His voice echoed in the hall like thunder, making everyone feel his anger and majesty. He felt that he had lived an upright life, how could he have such an unscrupulous son! If Li Zhi was really bewitched by beauty and obsessed with his concubines, that would be extremely absurd! How could such a mediocre person inherit his power!
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and his resentment towards Wu Meiniang also arose spontaneously. He felt that this temptress not only confused his son, but also tried to bring trouble to Chao Gang. He will never let her succeed! He secretly vowed to get rid of this scourge and clear the way for the future of Datang.
At this time, Wu Meiniang, this strange woman, was in Ganye Temple. She showed extraordinary charm when she first became a talent, and was able to charm two generations of emperors. Not only did she win Li Shimin's favor, she also cleverly used a letter to get Li Zhi to meet him at Ganye Temple urgently. Her heart was filled with ambition and desire. She wanted to have more power and become the true master of the Tang Dynasty.
The bells of Ganye Temple are melodious and profound, as if telling the vicissitudes and changes of history. Wu Meiniang stood in front of the window of the temple, staring at the distant sky. There was a firmness and determination in her eyes, as if she had already seen her future glory. She knows that her path is full of thorns and challenges, but she also knows that her wisdom and means are enough to cope with everything.
In the end, she not only captured the hearts of the two emperors, but also took control of the political power. She used her actions to prove that women are no less intelligent and capable than men. She became the only queen in Chinese history and created an era of her own. All of this makes people marvel at her extraordinary means and wisdom. And Li Qingge and others can only witness the rise and glory of this strange woman in the torrent of history.
(End of this chapter)