My father, Li Shimin, requests Your Majesty to become the Retired Emperor.

Chapter 6 Dead End

late at night.

The Eastern Palace.

Li Chengqian tossed and turned, unable to sleep all night.

He originally thought that he would be reborn as the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty and live a life of luxury, enjoying wealth and honor to the fullest. However, his fate was full of twists and turns, and his future was uncertain.

Unable to sleep, he got out of bed and paced back and forth in the palace.

He wondered what fates the crown princes of all dynasties had.

In particular, what were the outcomes for the eldest son of the emperor who was the crown prince?

Wherever my thoughts lead, the simulator screen displays:

[Search results found. Please click the 'End Search' button.]

Li Chengqian casually tapped it.

[The eldest son of King Zhaoxiang of Qin: Crown Prince Dao of Qin, died of depression before ascending the throne;]

Fusu, the eldest son of Qin Shi Huang, was forced to commit suicide by Zhao Gao using a forged imperial edict.

[Liu Rong, the eldest son of Emperor Jing of Han, was the crown prince, but was later deposed, demoted to Prince of Linjiang, and committed suicide.]

[Liu Ju, the eldest son of Emperor Wu of Han and the crown prince, participated in the witchcraft saga, was defeated, and committed suicide.]

Yang Yong, the eldest son of Emperor Wen of Sui, was the crown prince, but was later deposed and killed by his younger brother Yang Guang.

[Yang Zhao, the eldest son of Emperor Yang of Sui, was the crown prince. He died of depression before ascending the throne.]

Li Jiancheng, the eldest son of Emperor Gaozu of Tang and the crown prince, was killed by his younger brother Li Shimin.

【…】

"That's enough!"

No, why does the final result always involve death?

He finally understood that making the emperor's eldest son the crown prince was a dead end!

And there is no solution!

It has little to do with whether they are wise or not. One is mediocre, and the other two are cowards. Are they all idiots?

The results are all the same.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he wondered if he was destined to meet the same fate as the princes if he couldn't break the deadlock.

[Your destiny is always in your own hands. Please start over!]

At this moment, another message popped up on the emulator screen:

[I have arrived at the palace gates. Shall I see you or not?]

Ok?

Is everything satisfactory?

"See."

[Incorrect answer. No reward! These are critical times; please reconsider carefully. Would you like to change your answer?]

"No need to change it."

A moment later, a person dressed in night clothes walked in from outside the palace gate.

Li Chengqian glanced at the newcomer and saw that he was handsome with fair skin. It was none other than the man he was looking for.

Chengxin knelt on the ground: "Greetings, Your Highness!"

Li Chengqian nodded slightly: "There are no outsiders here, please get up!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Chengxin stood up, his attitude extremely respectful.

Li Chengqian's expression turned solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "Tell me, in history, haven't all the eldest sons who became crown princes ended up dying?"

Upon hearing this, Chengxin was greatly alarmed: "Your Highness, what makes you say such a thing? Why would you suddenly have such a thought? Has something happened?"

"Nothing happened; I was just trying to prevent it from happening in the first place."

"That's not what I think."

You are exceptionally intelligent and will never follow in the footsteps of those people.

"Is there any way to break this deadlock?"

Chengxin pondered for a moment: "In my opinion, you should start from the following aspects:"

First, he must establish a personal guard that is completely obedient to him;

Most of the guards in the Eastern Palace were sent by the Emperor. They all listen to the Emperor, but not necessarily to you.

Second, Secretary Su Dan holds a high position in the court, so you must find a way to get along with him.

Third, you need to win over some influential ministers, such as Du He, Hou Junji, and Li Anyan;

After listening, Li Chengqian thought about it and agreed that Chengxin's words made some sense: "I can agree to your first point. I will entrust this matter to you. You are skilled in martial arts, so as the leader, you will recruit ten people for the time being."

As for your second and third points, I'll think about them some more.

"promise!"

"This matter must be handled with utmost secrecy; not a single word can be leaked. This is our trump card."

"I understand," Chengxin said, lowering his voice, "I heard you had a fight with your father the other day?"

Li Chengqian smiled and said, "It wasn't really an argument, just a few words exchanged."

"I heard it has some connection to me?"

Li Chengqian then briefly recounted what had happened.

Upon hearing this, Chengxin prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed, saying, "Your Highness's kindness is something I will never forget!"

Li Chengqian helped him up with both hands: "You don't need to do this. We're in the same boat now. We have to stick together to have any hope of survival."

At this point, Li Chengqian handed him the thousand taels of silver.

Chengxin repeatedly declined, but finally accepted the gift, and was so moved that she cried, "Your Highness, you are too good to me! I would repay Your Highness with my life!"

"Do we need to say these things between us?"

"Your Highness, please rest early. This humble servant takes his leave!" Chengxin's voice choked with emotion.

Go!

Just as Chengxin stepped out of the palace, Li Chengqian heard the simulator's voice in his ear: [Ding! Host, the target is detected to be on the verge of agitation, has broken down, and is experiencing abnormal emotional fluctuations. Simulation options are now activated:]

1. Cancel the instructions just given to it;

Second, capture him and hand him over to the Emperor for disposal;

III. Proceed as originally planned;

Please select!

Li Chengqian thought to himself that changing orders frequently and going back on one's word was a major taboo for a ruler. "My orders have already been issued, how can they be changed?" Therefore, the first option could not be selected.

As for the second point, since you are without fault, how could I do that?

"I've chosen the third option!"

[Incorrect answer! No reward, and the consequences are very serious. Do you want to change your answer?]

"Need not."

[After several simulations, the host receives a second assessment: Stubborn and inflexible!]

"Your grandma!"

[After investigation, we learned that the mother's mother was her maternal grandmother. Host, what is the connection between this and our system?]

"I'll fucking beat you to death!"

[After multiple simulations, the host is given a third assessment: ruthless and violent!]

"roll!"

【receive! 】

morning.

After washing up and having breakfast, Li Chengqian went to the Lizheng Hall.

Li Chengqian, beaming with joy, said, "Your subject greets Your Majesty!"

"No need for formalities," Empress Zhangsun said, looking at her son with eyes full of kindness. "Have you fully recovered?"

"Reporting to Mother, there is no major problem."

"From now on, pay more attention to your diet. Don't drink unboiled water anymore, always wash your hands before meals, don't study too late at night, go to bed early, and make sure to take a midday nap. In short, maintain a regular eating and sleeping schedule!"

Hearing his mother's words, Li Chengqian felt a warmth in his heart, and tears almost fell: "Your son... Your subject will remember."

"Now that you have recovered, you can begin the coming-of-age ceremony."

I've already asked someone to choose an auspicious date for you, and the 16th of this month is a lucky day. Let's hold the coming-of-age ceremony on that day. What do you think?

"The matter of the coming-of-age ceremony is entirely up to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor."

"I have prepared the crown and robes for you. Are you satisfied with them?"

As Empress Zhangsun spoke, she took out the items she had personally prepared for Li Chengqian's coming-of-age ceremony and showed them to him.

Li Chengqian discovered that the items his mother had prepared for him were all exquisite and appropriate.

You have to understand that the Empress doesn't only have one child. Besides, as the Empress and the head of the harem, she has countless things to deal with.

"Your Majesty, I am very satisfied. Thank you for your trouble."

"You are the Crown Prince, and your coming-of-age ceremony is a very important event. Isn't it only right that your mother does all this?"

Empress Zhangsun made no mention of Li Chengqian's recent aversion to reading, his frivolous behavior with palace maids, or his quarrels with his father, the Emperor.

Empress Zhangsun smiled: "After your coming-of-age ceremony, you'll be an adult. Men should marry when they're of age, and women should marry when they're of age. Is there a girl you fancy?"

Li Chengqian blushed and said, "No...no."

"In that case, I've found a girl for you."

Li Chengqian felt a surge of nervousness, wondering which family's daughter his mother had chosen for him: "Who is she?"

"She is Su Wan, the eldest daughter of Secretary Su Dan."

She is beautiful and dignified, well-read, and knowledgeable. Would you be interested?

Li Chengqian thought to himself, "I'm a time traveler, how can I marry her?"

"Mother, Su Wan is indeed a good girl, but I feel that I am still too young."

On the other hand, I have not yet established any significant achievements, therefore, I do not intend to consider this matter for the time being.

Empress Zhangsun frowned: "Getting married and establishing a career are not contradictory. Wouldn't it be better if you got married sooner and had a virtuous wife to help you?"

"At present, I only want to focus on my studies."

Empress Zhangsun saw that he was determined to do so, so she did not force him: "I heard that Qingque sent you two ginseng roots, but you did not accept them."

"Yes, my illness is cured, so there's no use for those things."

"Seeing you brothers living in harmony brings me great comfort," Empress Zhangsun sighed, her eyes filled with worry. "You are not young anymore, and you probably know something about the affairs of the previous dynasty."

The original Crown Prince Yang Yong and Prince Yang Guang were brothers, but later, after Yang Guang became the Crown Prince, he killed Yang Yong.

Furthermore, in this dynasty, the former crown prince Li Jiancheng was also your father's brother. However, he colluded with Li Yuanji to try to kill your father. Your father was forced to eliminate the two of them.

History is a mirror; you, Qingque, and Weishan must respect, love, and tolerate each other.

"Please rest assured, Mother, your son and I are very close and respectful to our two younger brothers. We will never let history repeat itself."

Even if some unpleasantness arises one day, they may be unkind, but I am not allowed to be unjust. I will not hold it against them.

"You are such a sensible child."

"If brothers are not on good terms, they will surely be bullied by outsiders."

"Your subject will certainly keep this in mind."

night.

Zichen Palace.

Li Shimin is reading "Essentials of Governance from Various Books".

Li Shimin regarded this book as a treasure trove for governing the country. He not only read it himself, but also required the crown prince and other princes to read it carefully.

Li Tai knelt on the ground: "Father!"

Li Shimin looked down at him and said, "Get up."

This guy's waist was thicker than a bucket. He kowtowed, and his blood pressure spiked, almost causing him to faint.

He huffed and puffed for a long time, his face turning red, before finally getting up from the ground, letting his hands hang down, and standing aside.

Li Shimin frowned upon seeing this: "Have you been studying lately?"

"Your Majesty, I have been diligently reading the book 'Essentials of Governance from Various Books' during this period."

"Oh, what are your thoughts?"

"This book is rich in content, covering the Five Classics as well as the Records of the Three Kingdoms, the Records of the Grand Historian, the Book of Han, the Book of the Later Han, and the Book of Jin. It brings together the essence of thought on self-cultivation, family management, governance of the state, and bringing peace to the world."

Your son has benefited greatly from reading this book.

Li Shimin's expression softened slightly: "You must read this book carefully, read it several times, grasp its essence, and apply it to practice."

"Your subject will certainly keep in mind your father's teachings."

"Hmm. How's the compilation of the 'Kuodi Zhi' going?"

"It is proceeding in an orderly manner."

Furthermore, I have recruited some learned scholars to establish a literary academy; I humbly request Your Majesty's permission.

"Literature Museum?"

"Yes."

"This is a good thing; it will make it easier for you to strengthen communication and exchange. Granted!"

"Thank you, Father Emperor."

Li Shimin stopped there and continued reading.

Li Tai looked around and mustered his courage: "Father, there is something I need to report to you."

"What is it?"

"As far as I know, the Crown Prince is often with a musician named Chengxin."

"I am already aware of this matter."

"Father probably only knows one side of the story, and not the other."

"What do you mean?"

"They often gathered together late at night to plot."

Is there anything that can't be said during the day?

Why meet at night? I suspect there might be some conspiracy involved.

"Oh, is that so? Have you witnessed it yourself?"

Li Tai blushed and said, "No, I've only heard about it."

"Seeing is believing. Don't speak recklessly without evidence."

"Yes, Father." Li Tai had intended to file a complaint against Li Chengqian, but he was met with a closed door.

So he changed the subject: "A few days ago, I ran into Du Ruhui's son, Du He, on the street, but he did not bow to me."

"Du Ruhui's son?"

Li Tai tentatively said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I believe he is arrogant and disregards me. This is not just contempt for me, but contempt for Father Emperor!"

In Li Shimin's view, imperial power was sacred and inviolable, and no one, no matter who you were, could be violated, not even the crown prince.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin was indeed furious: "He's going too far. Tomorrow morning at court, I will ask him what he really means."

"Father, there are many meritorious ministers in the court."

When Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, gained control of the empire, he enfeoffed seven princes of different surnames. However, instead of being grateful, these men plotted rebellion. Eventually, Gaozu had no choice but to eliminate them one by one.

Father's civil and military achievements are unparalleled throughout history. Many major and fierce battles were won by Father's personal command, charging into battle and fighting bloody battles.

However, after the emperor gained the throne, he did not forget the contributions of the civil and military officials, nor did he care about their backgrounds. Many of them were originally part of the crown prince's faction, and he treated them all equally, rewarding them according to their merits.

However, they have become arrogant and forgotten their roots, daring to despise their son and father.

Your Majesty, I believe this precedent must not be set. Otherwise, where will the dignity of our imperial family be? Where will the imperial authority of Father Emperor be?

Li Tai's eloquent words truly ignited Li Shimin's anger.

Li Shimin suddenly stood up, veins bulging on his forehead, and paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back in anger: "Now I finally understand why Emperor Gaozu of Han disliked Confucian scholars. There is a reason for it. People often say, 'Fang and Du are good at planning and making decisions.' I admit that Du Ruhui was good at making decisions, but no matter what, his son should still observe the etiquette of a subject."

"Father is wise!"