Chapter 19: Li Xiang's Ambition

In fact, with Li Shimin's wisdom, it was easy for him to figure out this matter.

But the problem still lies in the saying that those who are involved in the matter are often confused, while those who are not involved in the matter can see things clearly. In fact, he was not willing to admit that there was a brotherly feud between his two sons.

Without Li Xiang saying much, Li Shimin naturally figured out the connection.

"No wonder... No wonder Gao Ming is becoming increasingly distant from me... It turns out there is a villain behind this!"

Li Shimin muttered to himself, which made Li Xiang raise his eyebrows.

My mother, is there any unexpected gain?

When it comes to his children, Li Shimin is always concerned and confused, and subconsciously tries to evade responsibility.

He didn't want to admit that it was because of him that the father and son fell out, and the brothers turned against each other... He didn't want to be unable to face the questioning of Empress Changsun a hundred years later, asking him why he raised the son who was praised by all the ministers into this state!
But... is it still too late?

The grandfather and grandson stood in front of the hall, the setting sun stretching their shadows very long.

Li Tai seemed to be in a good mood after returning to the palace.

After playing with the greyhound for a while by the lake in the palace, Li Tai returned to the house for dinner at the call of Princess Yan Wan.

"I saw my nephew when I entered the palace today."

Li Tai put on a scarf with the help of a maid and said to Yan Wan with a smile.

"But the eldest son of my elder brother?"

Yan Wan asked.

"Yes, it's Li Xiang."

Li Tai said with a look of regret on his face: "It's a pity that boy and I are not very close."

"Aye, are you talking about Li Xiang who drew his sword to face the commander?"

Li Xin, who was sitting next to Yan Wan, suddenly asked.

"presumptuous!"

Li Tai's face turned serious and he looked at Li Xin coldly: "That's your elder brother!"

"I don't have a brother as rebellious as that!"

Li Xin refused to accept the rebuke and argued, "Just because Zuo Shuzi gave a frank advice, he actually drew his sword against the commander!"

"Xin'er."

Li Tai asked calmly, "Who taught you to say this today?"

"Yes... it's Master Song..."

Li Xin also felt the calm before the storm and answered anxiously.

"Somebody come!"

Li Tai shouted loudly, scaring Li Xin so much that his body trembled.

Two guards immediately came in from outside.

"Song Yu has alienated the relationship between my sons and their brothers. I will expel him from the palace and will never employ him again!"

Li Tai loudly issued orders. In the past, he would not have driven Song Yu away, but Li Xiang's action of defending Li Chengqian touched him. Who wouldn't want to have a son like this?
According to Song Yu's teaching method, Li Xin will not only not defend himself, but will most likely join in the remonstrance.

This is something a father cannot tolerate.

But as a monarch, being good at accepting advice is a good virtue, and this reason cannot be used. Therefore, Li Tai chose the reason of "provoking brothers", which could also add points when it reached his father's ears, thus killing two birds with one stone.

After the guards left, he looked at Li Xin with disappointment.

"Will there be a day when I am scolded like the prince, and you will not only not defend me like Li Xiang defended the prince, but even applaud?!"

This is what Li Tai really thinks.

"Go to the Buddhist temple and kneel in front of your grandmother's tablet. Do not get up without my order!"

"Yes!"

Li Xin stood up, bowed to Li Tai, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, and walked towards the Buddhist hall.

"My lord, is it..."

Yan Wan looked at the child's back with some worry. "Some things cannot be judged by one's position alone. This is the filial piety that Ayedu has set the tone for. Moreover, if we put ourselves in his shoes, I also hope that Xin'er can protect me in the same way."

"Go to the Buddhist temple in the evening and take him to the study to comfort him."

Li Tai sighed and rubbed his brow.

He actually had some admiration for Li Xiang, admiring his courage to draw the sword for his father.

It’s a pity... Li Xiang is actually the prince’s son.

He felt extremely regretful. How great it would be if Li Xiang was his son.
Thinking of Li Chengqian, he couldn't help feeling annoyed.

Having come to this point today, you have failed to live up to your mother's expectations!
He is stubborn and self-righteous, and refuses to accept honest advice. He is no different from Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty! If the Tang Dynasty fell into his hands, I am afraid it would be like Yang Guang, with his own death and the destruction of his country, and he would be laughed at by the world!
"Your Majesty, the general is here."

Yan Wan pointed outside the door, and a white falcon poked its head in, with a letter wrapped around its legs.

"It's a letter from Aye!"

Li Tai instantly forgot his dissatisfaction with Li Chengqian. He stood up happily and went to greet the white falcon called "General".

……

Li Xiang didn't know about the little episode that happened in the Prince of Wei's mansion and Li Tai's psychological activities, otherwise he would be even more worried.

Li Tai, a truly virtuous king who can distinguish right from wrong, is much more difficult to deal with than a conspirator.

He stood in front of the East Palace gate, reviewing what had happened in the past two days.

In the past two days, he was unable to formulate a suitable plan based on the little knowledge he had learned from history books.

Fortunately, after the initial understanding over the past few days, the images of Li Shimin and his sons in his mind have gradually become fuller.

First of all, he had to be the crown prince to ensure a smooth handover of the throne of the Tang Dynasty in the future. This was beyond doubt.

Therefore, he not only had to win the favor of Li Shimin, but also the favor of Li Mingda, Li Zhi, and the court officials.

Secondly, Li Chengqian must be protected. Father and son are one, no matter what Li Chengqian does, he is not unrelated. If the other party rebels, even if he is favored, he may not be able to escape. Even if there is a probability, Li Xiang does not want to gamble, and being steady is his usual style.

Therefore, the main contradiction facing Li Xiang was the father-son relationship between Li Shimin and Li Chengqian.

One of the main contradictions is to transform Li Chengqian and let him gradually restore his image in the hearts of Li Shimin and the court officials.

The second secondary contradiction was the covetous Prince of Wei, Li Tai. Li Xiang believed that the prince must not show any conflict with the Prince of Wei, and must not let Li Shimin realize that the brothers were at odds.

The third secondary contradiction is to find Sun Simiao. With Sun Simiao's medical skills and the little biological knowledge he has left, the illnesses of his two aunts, Princess Changle and Princess Jinyang, may be cured.

The two aunts were Li Chengqian's sisters, and had been close to their elder brother Li Chengqian since childhood. Moreover, Li Shimin was a daughter slave. If he wanted to improve the situation of his adopted father, the two aunts were also an important part.

And one of the most important things is to get rid of the group of human apes around Li Chengqian.

Li Shimin cannot be allowed to do this. He has just emphasized this in front of the palace. If Li Shimin forcibly expel those people, it will be counterproductive. It is better to proceed slowly.

But how to convince Li Chengqian...

Li Xiang started to have a headache again.

Without me, this family will break up sooner or later!

After setting the tone, Li Xiang straightened his chest and walked towards the Mingde Hall.

After returning to the East Palace, he had to pay his respects to his father and his nominal mother, Concubine Su.

Upon hearing that Li Xiang had come to pay his respects, Li Chengqian immediately asked the eunuch to bring the person in, and also scolded him that in the future, Changsun would not need to be informed if he wanted to see him unless it was necessary.

When Li Xiang walked into the hall, he heard Li Chengqian say with a smile: "My son is back?"

"I pay my respects to Aye."

Li Xiang saluted politely and then raised his head.

It didn't matter that he raised his head, but it almost scared Li Xiang's heart to death.

Li Chengqian was seen holding a beautiful woman with charming appearance in his arms.

No, what's going on?

Li Xiang stared at the...woman? ...man?

Shit, Chengxin won the resurrection match?
(End of this chapter)