bullyxtreme Chapter 43 Su Wan devises a plan, Li Taizhangjing
Chapter 43 Su Wan devises a plan, Li Taizhangjing
Li Chengqian quickly stood up and asked, "Has Su Gui returned?"
"He's back," Su Wan replied.
"Is he alright?"
No, not at all.
"That's good. We were separated by a group of masked men in black."
Later, I sent people to look for him, but they couldn't find him.
Su Wan smiled and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured, he is very clever."
Where did you go after that?
Li Chengqian then recounted how he learned to swim and dive by the Wei River.
Su Wan was shocked after hearing this.
She frowned deeply: "So, Li Tai's return to Chang'an this time was premeditated."
Li Chengqian lowered his head and remained silent.
"Even Sima Suxu and Wei Ting participated in this operation."
"Yes."
"Su Xu was no ordinary man. He was the grandson of Su Wei, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel during the Sui Dynasty. Li Tai did not have the idea of compiling the 'Kuodi Zhi' at first, but Su Xu persuaded Li Tai to submit a petition to compile the 'Kuodi Zhi' in order to improve Li Tai's status in the court. This shows that he was a man of great foresight."
Before the compilation of the *Kuodi Zhi* was even complete, Li Tai had already gathered a large group of loyal followers, including Xiao Deyan, the Compiler; Gu Yin, the Secretary; Jiang Yaqing, the Military Advisor; and Xie Yan, the Military Advisor, all of whom were plotting for him to secure the position of Crown Prince.
"I know."
"Wei Ting was even more remarkable. He was the son of Wei Chong, the Minister of Civil Affairs during the Sui Dynasty, and rose to the position of Imperial Censor," Su Wan said.
"Wei Ting is an important minister in the court," Li Chengqian said.
He compiled the "Clan Records" with Gao Shilian and others, and often discussed national affairs with Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling and others. His opinions were often adopted.
He was a man skilled in both literature and martial arts.
Unexpectedly, he also defected to Li Tai.
I think the problem is already very serious.
Li Chengqian also sensed that the situation was very bad.
Su Wan placed her hands on her chest and paced back and forth in the hall: "Has Fang Xuanling already declined the position of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince?"
"Yes."
"His meaning is already very clear: he even dares to refuse your father's imperial edict."
He didn't show up, but instead had his son Fang Yi'ai befriend Li Tai.
In other words, he also supports Li Tai.
Furthermore, with Su Xu, Wei Ting, and others supporting Li Tai, don't you feel any sense of crisis?
Li Chengqian gave a bitter smile: "I am now in a dilemma."
Su Wan looked at him with her beautiful eyes: "Your heart is too soft. It's probably unlikely that you can influence him with your kindness and tolerance."
Let me tell you this: even if you give him the title of Crown Prince, he won't let it go. He's determined to kill you.
Li Chengqian stared out the window, his pupils gradually shrinking: "I have nowhere left to retreat. It seems we should retaliate."
Su Wan was very excited to see that Li Chengqian was finally willing to express his opinion: "Tomorrow morning, Li Tai will enter the city. He will come from Daxingshan Temple. I expect he will definitely go through the East Gate. The middle one is Chunming Gate. We can have Su Gui lead a hundred Imperial Guards to ambush on the left and right sides of Chunming Gate in advance."
You should pretend nothing happened and go to greet him. With just a word, you can kill him inside Chunming Gate.
Are you sure you can do it?
"The best way in the world is often the simplest and most direct way. I think the chances of success are 90%," Su Wan said confidently.
Li Chengqian put his hands behind his back, pondered for a moment, and finally shook his head.
"What's wrong with you now?"
"Although this plan is good, however..."
Firstly, I still can't bring myself to do it. After all, Qingque is my own brother. I have already promised Mother that he is allowed to be ruthless, but I am not allowed to be unjust.
Secondly, this plan is too risky. So many things have already happened, how could he possibly be completely unprepared?
If this gets out and Father and Mother find out I was the one who did it, then things will be very troublesome.
Upon hearing this, Su Wan became anxious: "Your Highness, in the end, you still have a kind heart. But have you considered whether your kindness can change Li Tai's mind? It's impossible!"
Man proposes, God disposes. No plan can be perfect or 100% successful. When your father launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident, was he absolutely certain of victory?
He only had eight hundred men, while Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji had several thousand men, a huge disparity in strength.
But didn't your father also go all out? In the end, he achieved final victory.
If he had hesitated then, it probably wouldn't have been Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji who died.
Li Chengqian still disagreed: "This plan is too hasty. Do you have any other ideas?"
Su Wan sighed: "This is your best chance. If you miss it, you will probably regret it in the end."
If you feel that this is inappropriate, I have another idea.
Tell me about it.
"We can do it this way."
Li Chengqian playfully flicked Su Wan's nose and laughed, "How could you even think of that? Do you think it'll even work?"
"I think it's about time. You can leave this to me and don't need to worry about it."
"Alright, plan it out in more detail, but be careful not to give anything away."
"I see."
Daxingshan Temple, West Zen Room.
Li Tai took out 10,000 taels of silver to give to Bo Po.
"Oh dear, King of Yue, how can I accept this?"
"Your father has shown special care for our Daxingshan Temple, allocating a considerable amount of silver to us, which is more than enough for our expenses." Bo Po smiled amiably.
"Master, you were originally from the Western Regions. You traveled thousands of miles to our Great Tang Dynasty to preside over the translation center at Daxingshan Temple. You must have worked very hard."
Our Great Tang Dynasty has always revered Buddhism, and it is only right that my father supports you. This is just a small token of my respect, and I hope you will accept it with a smile." Li Tai said with a beaming smile.
The saying goes that monks don't love money, or the more the better.
"In that case, this old monk will accept it on behalf of Buddha and express his gratitude."
Li Tai found it amusing, thinking to himself, "This monk is really something. He'll accept it if he wants, but he insists on saying he's accepting it on behalf of Buddha. Where is Buddha? Does he even need to spend this kind of money?"
This is absolutely outrageous.
However, he couldn't say it aloud, even though he thought it to himself: "Master, you're too kind. In the future, if you ever need more money, just let me know, and I'll definitely help you out with everything I have."
"The King of Yue truly performed immeasurable good deeds."
Li Tai thought to himself, "Where is my merit? It's clearly the merit of the silver."
"Fatong, come here."
At this moment, Fatong walked over and called out, "Master!"
"Greetings, King of Yue!"
"yes!"
Fatong approached Li Tai and bowed, saying, "This humble monk greets the King of Yue."
Li Tai nodded slightly: "No need for such formalities!"
Fatong stood behind Bopo.
Bopo gazed westward: "When I first came to the Tang Dynasty, I passed through Tuyuhun. Khan Fuyun personally received me and treated me with great courtesy. Later, he felt that the situation in Tuyuhun was not very stable, so he made a request: that I take Fatong as my disciple and bring him to the Tang Dynasty so that he could study literature and martial arts and comprehend Buddhism."
This old monk has not accepted disciples for many years, but I could not refuse, so I accepted Fatong as a nominal disciple and brought him here.
As the saying goes, "If you are entrusted with something, you must do it faithfully." In my spare time, I would teach him some scriptures and also let him learn about the culture of the Central Plains.
He was fortunate enough to be chosen by the King of Yue; this was a blessing he had earned in his previous life.
Upon hearing this, Li Tai thought to himself that the Tuyuhun people were getting worse with each generation. Fuyun Khan was not bad, though. He was able to bend and stretch. Although his country was destroyed by the Sui Dynasty, he later took advantage of the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty to restore his country.
However, his son, Murong Shun, has not been known to have accomplished anything.
It is said that when Fuyun Khan sent him as an envoy to the Sui Dynasty to request peace talks, he was arrogant and spoke rudely, which angered Emperor Yang of Sui, and he was imprisoned.
As for Fatong, he was even worse. Apart from being big and good at wrestling, he didn't seem to have any outstanding qualities. If someone like him were to become the Khan of Tuyuhun in the future, then the Tang Dynasty would be worry-free.
Li Taiqing cleared his throat and said with a smile, "Fatong is young and brave, and I like him very much. Our Great Tang and Tuyuhun are friendly neighbors. No matter what difficulties he encounters in the future, I will do my best to help him for the sake of the master."
Upon hearing Li Tai's words, Bo Po said to Fa Tong, "Why don't you quickly thank the King of Yue?"
"Thank you, King of Yue!" Fatong was so moved that he wanted to kowtow to Li Tai.
Li Tai quickly helped him up with both hands: "That's too much courtesy, there's no need for that."
Bo Po exchanged a few pleasantries with Li Tai, then had Fa Tong lead a few young monks to carry away all the silver.
At this moment, Su Xu and Wei Ting walked in from outside.
Li Tai's face darkened as he looked at the two of them.
The two of them recounted what had happened.
"What? Li Chengqian killed two of our sailors?" Li Tai was extremely surprised.
"Yes."
"I never would have guessed he was so ruthless; he actually killed someone!"
Su Xu said, "My brother Su Gong has been captured by them. Please ask the King of Yue to find a way to rescue him."
"Of course, don't worry, I will definitely find a way to rescue your brother."
However, you two were too careless. You had such a good opportunity, yet you didn't kill Li Chengqian. Strangely, when did Li Chengqian learn to swim and dive again?
"He not only knows how to dive, but he's also very skilled in the water. He dived under my boat and rocked it, almost capsizing it. Luckily, I hoisted the sail and managed to escape."
Wei Ting said, "Actually, we were about to succeed, but unexpectedly, Li Chengqian came to help us."
Those men were all highly skilled in martial arts, adept at riding and archery, and they appeared to be Turks.
"Turks?" Li Tai was surprised. "Could it be that Li Chengqian is colluding with the Turks?"
"It's not certain yet. If that's the case, we can submit a memorial impeaching him."
"Does that mean he can't be punished for keeping assassins? You are the Censor-in-Chief, overseeing all the ministers in the court. Don't you have any recourse?"
"King Yue, we don't have enough evidence yet," Wei Ting said, frowning. "I heard that Fang Yi'ai suddenly fell into a coma, and Xiao Deyan has also been arrested."
What illness did Fang Yi'ai have?
Everyone shook their heads.
"I heard he has problems with that aspect of his body, so he often sees doctors for treatment and takes medication haphazardly," Wei Ting said.
"He must have been with too many women, that's why he got sick."
Can you take medicine indiscriminately? Even a healthy person can become abnormal if they take too much medicine.
"The King of Yue is right."
"How exactly was Xiao Deyan arrested?"
Gu Yin said, "He kept a woman outside Chang'an City named Sai Xishi."
One evening, Sai Xishi came to him, saying her mother was seriously ill and wanted to see him one last time, so he went with her. Then, he never returned.
"Do you know who kidnapped him?"
"I don't know. I don't know who he offended in Chang'an, or who set him up."
Li Tai sneered: "So, he was tricked by Sai Xishi."
I've told you all before, women can't be trusted. Especially women from other places, they're even less trustworthy. If you're not careful, she might stab you in the back.
"King Yue is wise," the crowd said.
Li Tai pondered for a moment: "Return to Chang'an City tomorrow morning."
Gu Yin's eyes darted around: "If Your Majesty wishes to return to Chang'an, I suggest that you do not enter the city through the Chunming Gate in the east, but instead enter through the Xuanwu Gate, just in case."
Li Tai understood what he meant and knew he meant well, so he nodded and said, "Okay, we'll do it your way."
The next morning.
After the morning court session, Li Shimin went to the Lizheng Hall and sat down at the table.
Empress Zhangsun poured him a cup of hot tea.
Empress Zhangsun, observing Li Shimin's demeanor, noticed that he looked quite well today: "You look radiant. What did you all discuss in court today?"
Li Shimin picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, "Today, Fang Xuanling praised the compilation of the Kuodi Zhi in the court, saying that it is well-prepared and has already taken shape. It is a rare encyclopedia, and the civil and military officials also praised it highly."
Empress Zhangsun frowned upon hearing this: "Did Chengqian go to court?"
"I went."
"The *Kuodi Zhi* was compiled under the supervision of Tai'er, yet Fang Xuanling praised it as a good book in front of all the civil and military officials. What would Chengqian think if he heard this?"
"This—," Li Shimin put down his teacup, "However, I have already read the first few volumes of this book, and it is indeed quite good."
Empress Zhangsun placed her hands in front of her abdomen and slowly said, "Did you hear a discordant sound?"
"What do you mean?"
"There are many rumors in the court that Chengqian and Tai'er are at odds, and that several people have already died because of it. If this continues, I am afraid that the tragedy of Xuanwu Gate will be repeated."
Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's expression also turned serious: "How many people died? Is that true?"
"I have only heard about it, and I do not know whether it is true or false at this time."
Putting everything else aside, wasn't the person who reported the burial of the wooden figurine in the Eastern Palace already dead? So, did he succumb to a sudden illness, commit suicide, or was he murdered?
Li Shimin hadn't taken this matter to heart at first, but now, after hearing what Empress Zhangsun said, he also felt that something was amiss.
He stood up, hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in the hall: "You mean that person might have been killed at Tai'er's behest? To cover it up?"
"This is merely my speculation; there is currently no evidence."
"But Tyr is still so young, can he really do such a thing?"
"Back then, when you allowed Tai'er to establish the Literary Academy and permitted him to recruit scholars according to his own preferences, I advised you against it, but you did not listen."
Tyrell himself was of decent character, but he couldn't stand the way his subordinates kept giving him bad advice.
"It shouldn't have come to that, right?"
"Whether it has come to that point or not, you can find out by having someone inquire."
Just then, Li Tai walked in from outside the door, prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed: "Your son greets Father Emperor and Mother Empress."
It's true what they say, speak of the devil, and he appears.
Li Shimin was pleased to see his son return: "No need for formalities, rise!"
"Thank you, Father Emperor!"
Because Li Tai was too fat, it took him a long time to finally get up from the ground and stand aside.
Li Shimin looked at his son and nodded slightly: "The journey from Yangzhou to Chang'an is long and arduous; you must have had a hard time."
"Your subject is not tired, but Father Emperor is busy with the affairs of the country, and Mother Empress has to take care of the good and worry about the affairs of the harem. That is what is hard work. Therefore, your subject brought two carts of silk from Yangzhou, as well as some local specialties such as Yangzhou dried silk and thousand-layer oil cake to show respect to Father Emperor and Mother Empress."
As Li Tai spoke, he waved his hand, and servants brought the things in from outside.
Li Shimin thought to himself, "I haven't seen this kid for a while. He's become more and more eloquent, and more and more thoughtful."
Li Shimin looked at the items and found that they were indeed all top-quality products.
However, Empress Zhangsun seemed uninterested in those things, and there was no smile on her face: "Tai'er! The court has its own rules. As a prince, you should stay in your territory. How can you return to the capital at will without your father's decree?"
You were only in Yangzhou for a few days, why are you back already?
For some reason, Li Tai's calves would tremble uncontrollably every time he saw his mother.
"Replying to Mother, it is only because Father Emperor entrusted me with the important task of compiling the 'Kuodi Zhi' that I dare not fail to do my best to compile this monumental work."
Before I left for Yangzhou, I entrusted this matter to the people at the Literary Academy. However, I was worried that they would be perfunctory and fail to fully understand the Emperor's intentions, which would ruin the important matter. Therefore, I rushed back to check. Fortunately, I went to the Literary Academy and found that everyone there was conscientious and responsible, and dared not slack off.
This newly compiled volume is presented for your perusal, Father and Mother.
As Li Tai spoke, he handed over the scroll with both hands. Li Shimin opened it and saw that it was indeed well-compiled.
Empress Zhangsun's face remained grim: "I'm asking you, I've heard you and Chengqian have a rift, is that true?"
Li Tai bowed again: "Your Majesty, there is absolutely no such thing. Your Majesty and I have always had a very good relationship. This time when I returned, I stayed at Daxingshan Temple for several days. Your Majesty personally came to greet me, and we listened together to Master Xuanzang's lectures on the Mahayana-samgraha, from which we benefited greatly. How could there be any discord between us?"
"Really? Then do you know that the person who reported to your father that the Eastern Palace had buried a wooden effigy is dead?"
Upon hearing this, Li Tai feigned surprise: "Oh, is that so? How did he die?"
Some say he committed suicide out of fear of punishment, while others say he was assassinated.
"Your subject believes he may have committed suicide out of fear of punishment."
Why?
"The Crown Prince's Palace did not bury the wooden figure at all, yet he accused the Crown Prince of burying the wooden figure to his father. Isn't this framing the Crown Prince? He has also committed the crime of deceiving the emperor, a grave sin."
If it was murder, who would have the audacity and ability to sneak into the Dali Temple prison and kill him?
This is almost impossible.
Empress Zhangsun sighed and said earnestly, "You and Chengqian are brothers, you must get along well, be friendly and respectful to each other, and never attack or harm one another."
"Your subject will remember Your Majesty's teachings."
"Yangzhou is a place of outstanding people and abundant resources, with high taxes. It is very important to our Great Tang Dynasty. Your father has entrusted it to you, and the responsibility is heavy. You must manage it carefully and not make any mistakes."
"As long as you manage Yangzhou well, no one in the entire eastern region will dare to cause trouble."
"Your Majesty is right. Your son will do his best to manage that place well."
Empress Zhangsun looked at her son with loving eyes: "It's not that I'm heartless, but you are a king, so it's better for you to go to your own territory. The rules must not be broken."
Upon hearing this, Li Tai looked aggrieved and knelt on the ground again, crying as he said, "Our Great Tang also values filial piety very much. Your son hopes to be able to fulfill his filial duties by the side of Father Emperor and Mother Empress."
Seeing this, Li Shimin felt a pang of pity and said to Empress Zhangsun, "Look, Tai'er has just returned. Why are you in such a hurry to send him away? There's nothing much going on in Yangzhou right now. What's wrong with letting him stay in the capital for a while?"
Empress Zhangsun, upon hearing this, said in an annoyed tone: "Nothing in the world is more important than propriety. Propriety and law are above all else and must never be disordered. You have other sons, and Tai'er should be taken as an example. If every king is like him, staying in the capital and refusing to leave, then who will govern those territories?"
Over time, this will cause trouble.
Li Shimin found some merit in her words and could not refute them. So he said to Li Tai, "You stay in Chang'an for half a month. After half a month, you shall return to Yangzhou without fail."
"Your subject obeys the decree."
night.
The night was dark and the wind was high.
At Fang Xuanling's residence.
Fang Yi'ai's room.
Fang Yi'ai remained lying stiffly on the bed, like a dead man.
"Your Highness, for some unknown reason, Jun'er suddenly fainted. Your father, the Emperor, showed special mercy and sent physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau to treat him, but they couldn't find the cause of his illness." Fang Xuanling said with a worried expression.
Fang Yi'ai, whose given name was Jun and courtesy name was Yi'ai, was therefore called Jun'er by Fang Xuanling.
Li Tai comforted him, saying, "Your Excellency, there is no need to worry. I have a physician under my command named Qin Yong, who is highly skilled in medicine. I have brought him here. He can treat your son."
Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling's eyes lit up immediately: "Really? That's wonderful! Where is he?"
"It's right outside the door."
"Then please invite him in quickly."
Not long after, Qin Yong came in from outside, carrying a medicine box on his shoulder.
After exchanging greetings, he went to the bedside and examined the young master's body, saying, "Sir, your son has fallen into a trap. He has taken a drug that will keep him unconscious for more than a month. If he is not treated in time, he may never wake up again."
"Huh? We've been tricked?" Although Fang Xuanling was exceptionally intelligent, he couldn't understand how this had happened.
"yes."
"Then, sir, can you treat him?"
"I can give it a try."
So Qin Yong opened the medicine box, took out two silver needles, and inserted them into Fang Yi'ai's head. Then he prescribed two doses of medicine: "If nothing unexpected happens, your son should wake up tomorrow morning."
Fang Xuanling immediately ordered someone to fetch the medicine.
Qin Yong left.
After Fang Yi'ai finished dealing with his affairs, Fang Xuanling and Li Tai took their seats as host and guest, respectively.
Li Tai then recounted what had happened since his return.
Upon hearing this, Fang Xuanling shook his head and sighed, "Prince Yue, you have handled this matter very poorly."
By doing this, you not only failed to do anything to Li Chengqian, but you also alerted him.
You may think your plan is flawless, but in reality, it has many loopholes.
You underestimated your opponent.
You might think Li Chengqian doesn't know martial arts, but he's actually a wrestling expert.
You think he can't swim, but his diving skills far surpass those of your own sailors.
Because of these things, Li Tai was also puzzled: "Yes, I don't know when he learned these things."
"In my humble opinion, Li Chengqian showed leniency in this matter. If he were to launch a counterattack, it would be questionable whether you could even enter Chang'an smoothly."
Upon hearing Fang Xuanling's words, Li Tai's forehead broke out in a sweat: "Are you saying that Li Chengqian showed me mercy?"
"Yes, based on what you said, we can know that Li Chengqian has already established his own power, but he hides it very well and does not easily reveal it."
If he wanted to make a move on you during your trip back to Beijing, he would have had many opportunities, but he didn't.
For example, when you are at Daxingshan Temple, he can send someone to assassinate you;
When you enter the city, he can ambush you with swords and axemen on either side of the city gate, and so on.
"You're right," Li Tai agreed.
"Furthermore, sending high-ranking officials like Su Xu and Wei Ting to carry out an assassination is rather beneath you. Is this really appropriate?"
Li Tai blushed: "According to the Grand Secretary, what should I do?"
Fang Xuanling stroked his beard and said, "Some time ago, your father issued an edict appointing me as the Crown Prince's tutor."
Li Tai was startled: "Oh? Is that so?"
"Yes, but I have resigned due to old age and poor health."
Li Tai rose and bowed to Fang Xuanling: "Thank you, Grand Secretary."
Li Tai understood that Fang Xuanling's resignation from the position of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince meant that he had severed ties with Li Chengqian.
Fang Xuanling returned the courtesy, saying, "King of Yue, there's no need for such formalities."
During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Cao once attempted to assassinate Dong Zhuo. After the assassination failed, Cao Cao fled, and Dong Zhuo was so angry that he issued a nationwide warrant for his arrest.
Cao Cao returned to his hometown, recruited soldiers and built his own army, gradually expanding his power. When his power grew, he welcomed Emperor Xian of Han to Xuchang, using the emperor to command the other lords, and gradually unified the north.
As for Emperor Yang of Sui, he wasn't originally the crown prince; the crown prince was his brother, Yang Yong.
His relationship with Yang Yong is the same as your relationship with Li Chengqian.
Did Yang Guang attempt to assassinate Yang Yong?
Li Tai shook his head: "I don't think I've ever heard of that."
"Yes, assassinations are usually carried out by assassins like Jing Ke and Zhuan Zhu. As a king, why would you do such a thing?"
Li Tai felt ashamed and lowered his head in silence.
"Yang Guang used Jiangdu as his base and managed it carefully. It was a very wealthy place with high tax revenue. With money, everything was easy to do."
Later on, his strength was enough to rival Yang Yong's.
Many officials in the court submitted to him, such as Zhang Heng, Yang Su, and Yang Yue. In particular, Yang Su often spoke highly of him to Emperor Wen of Sui.
Over time, Emperor Wen of Sui developed a dislike for Crown Prince Yang Yong.
In addition, Yang Yong was extravagant and dissolute, liked to take concubines, and doted on Yun Zhaoxun. Later, he angered his wife, Yuan Shi, to death.
Empress Dugu was very fond of Lady Yuan and believed that she was murdered by Yang Yong and Yun Zhaoxun.
Yang Yong then appointed Yun Zhaoxun to preside over the Crown Prince's Palace, which violated etiquette and greatly angered Empress Dugu.
Yang Guang, however, was very good at presenting himself. In addition to strengthening his power and winning over the ministers in the court, he was also very cautious in his personal life. He sent away all the concubines in the Prince of Jin's mansion and only doted on Empress Xiao.
As a result, Empress Dugu grew increasingly disliked Yang Yong and increasingly favored Yang Guang.
Ultimately, Emperor Wen of Sui made his decision, deposing Yang Yong from his position as crown prince and installing Yang Guang as the new crown prince.
Li Tai seemed to understand something: "According to you, I should strive to manage Yangzhou well."
Fang Xuanling nodded: "As the Grand Commander of Yangzhou, you govern twenty-two prefectures. If you manage them well, you will be no less capable than Yang Guang in the past."
As for the ministers in the court, figures like Cen Wenben, Liu Sidao, Su Xu, Wei Ting, Du Chuke, and Chai Lingwu could be cultivated in secret.
Upon hearing this, Li Tai thought to himself, "As expected of the saying that Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui are known as 'Fang's planning and Du's decisiveness,' they really have ideas and methods." He repeatedly praised them, saying, "After listening to the Grand Secretary's words, I feel as if the clouds have parted and the sun has shone through, and I have suddenly understood everything."
Fang Xuanling seemed to have thought of something: "However, there is one minister in the court who is taking a wait-and-see attitude, and it is up to you to win him over."
"Who are you talking about?"
"That is your uncle, Changsun Wuji."
When Li Tai heard Fang Xuanling mention Changsun Wuji, a hint of worry and helplessness flashed across his face: "I'm afraid my uncle won't support me. You are his closest friend and know him best."
Fang Xuanling sighed deeply: "In this world, there are only eternal interests, not eternal friends."
Back then, before your father became the crown prince, he, your father, and I were all on the same side.
We are in the same boat, and we will share life and death.
Especially regarding the Xuanwu Gate Incident, I proposed a plan. However, since Changsun Wuji is related to the Emperor, I cannot compare to him. Therefore, I asked him to persuade your father. Otherwise, your father will still be hesitant and unable to bring himself to take action against Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.
After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, I formed a deep friendship with Changsun Wuji.
However, Changsun Wuji was a wise man. He deeply understood the principle that the moon wanes when it is full, water overflows when it is full, and it is wise to retreat when the tide is high.
Your father appointed him to an official position, but he declined and remained unemployed at home.
He was like Zhang Liang back then. After Zhang Liang helped Liu Bang conquer the world, when it came time to reward those who had contributed, Liu Bang allowed him to choose 30,000 households in Qi.
"If that's the case, then Liu Bang treated Zhang Liang quite well."
"Yes, Liu Bang was a rather rude person who would curse people at the drop of a hat. Even people as old as Li Shiqi were cursed by him. Once, he even rode on Zhou Chang's neck."
However, he held Zhang Liang in high esteem, calling him Zifang and regarding him as his teacher.
"It would have been even better if Liu Bang had read more books."
"Of course, Zhang Liang was not a greedy person. He only chose to stay because it was the place where he first met Liu Bang, which had sentimental value. Zhang Liang did not ask for 30,000 households, but only 10,000 households."
In this respect, I am no match for him; I am not as carefree as him.
Later, your father ordered me and Changsun Wuji to compile the "Zhenguan Code." Of course, I also had to compile the "Book of Jin," so naturally, he did more work.
Li Tai also knew that Changsun Wuji was very remarkable and deeply trusted by his father. The more Changsun Wuji took the initiative to resign from his official post, the better his father's impression of him became. Although he was unemployed at home, his words still carried a lot of weight in front of his father.
"Your Excellency, do you think he will support Li Chengqian?"
Fang Xuanling lowered his head and pondered for a moment: "I heard that Li Chengqian once went to visit him, but it seems he didn't receive a positive response. That's understandable, since you are both his nephews, he should treat you equally."
"But Li Chengqian is the Crown Prince, and my status is different from his."
Fang Xuanling laughed: "Changsun Wuji is not that stubborn, because he knows that in history, there are many crown princes who did not become emperor in the end."
Not being the crown prince doesn't necessarily mean you can't become emperor.
For example, Liu Rong, Liu Ju, Yang Yong, and Li Jiancheng were all the eldest sons of the emperor and also the crown princes, but none of them became emperor. Liu Rong and Liu Ju committed suicide, Yang Yong was strangled to death by Yang Yue, and Li Jiancheng was shot and killed by your father. They all died.
Liu Che, Liu Fuling, Yang Guang, and your father were not crown princes, yet they all became emperors.
Moreover, these individuals were all highly accomplished. Although Emperor Yang of Sui was ultimately murdered by Yuwen Huaji, resulting in his execution and the fall of his kingdom, his achievements cannot be denied.
He led a western expedition against the Tuyuhun, subjugated the Western Turks, forced the Eastern Turks to submit to the Sui Dynasty, conquered the Ryukyu Islands in the south, attacked the Khitan in the north, and subjugated Yingzhou, which further expanded the territory of the Sui Dynasty.
His failures stemmed from two main reasons: firstly, his ambition and excessive travels; and secondly, his failure to manage internal conflicts, particularly the devastating impact of the Wagang Army on the Sui Dynasty, coupled with the fact that his three campaigns against Goguryeo all ended in failure.
Upon hearing this, Li Tai felt that he had a better chance of becoming the crown prince in the future.
"The Grand Secretary is absolutely right. I'll make time to visit my uncle later."
The two chatted about other things for a while, then Li Tai got up to say goodbye.
Li Tai left Fang Xuanling's residence and returned to his own residence in a sedan chair carried by eight men.
Because Li Tai was too heavy, there weren't enough people to lift him.
To avoid attracting attention, they didn't take the main road, but instead took a tree-lined path. The path was lined with flowers, trees, and shrubs, and the mist created an eerie atmosphere.
Qin Yong stood beside the sedan chair, chatting casually with Li Tai.
Inside the sedan chair, Li Tai said, "The diseases in this world are truly bizarre. Tell me, what disease does Fang Yi'ai have, and can you cure it?"
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I am absolutely certain that I can cure him," Qin Yong said confidently.
"Fang Yi'ai is handsome and has a dislike for studying. He is also very strong in martial arts, but I've heard that he is impotent. I don't know if it's true or not."
"I guess he ruined himself by indulging in alcohol and women."
"If that's the case, then he has only himself to blame."
Li Tai pulled back the curtains and looked outside: "This place is so eerie, isn't it haunted?"
"What, does Your Majesty still believe in ghosts and spirits?"
"I don't believe it, but sometimes, things are just hard to explain."
"As a physician, I am the least likely to believe in such things. If I were to encounter a ghost, I would be the first to rush forward and drive it away."
Just as they were talking, one of the sedan chair carriers suddenly shouted, "Look, what's that?"
Following the direction of his finger, Li Tai could vaguely see a female ghost dressed in white drifting in the wind a few feet ahead. However, what was most terrifying was that the female ghost had no head.
"A ghost! A headless female ghost!" Qin Yong shouted, and led the way in running away in fright.
Seeing Qin Yong run away, the eight sedan bearers dropped the sedan chair on the ground and, without caring about Li Tai's life or death, ran off as fast as they could.
"Come back! All of you, come back to me!" Li Tai was furious and enraged.
He thought to himself that Qin Yongding was a scoundrel; he had just said he would be the first to rush forward, but unexpectedly, he was the first to run away.
At this point, no one listened to him; they all disappeared.
Although Li Tai didn't believe in ghosts, his heart was pounding wildly in this situation.
The headless female ghost was seen wandering in the wind, and finally stopped about two zhang away from Li Tai.
"Are you King Li Tai of Yue?" The headless female ghost's voice was mournful and shrill.
"It is...it is indeed me." Li Tai's voice trembled.
"Your lifespan has come to an end. Come with me to the underworld." The female ghost's tone left no room for argument.
"Female ghost, no, great immortal, I am only twelve years old! Are you mistaken?"
"Nonsense! Everyone's lifespan is different, some are long and some are short. Although you are only twelve years old, you have already enjoyed the riches and honors of the world. What regrets do you have? My time is limited, so don't delay. Come with me now."
Li Tai wanted to escape, but he was too fat and his legs were too weak to move.
"Why aren't you leaving yet? Judges on both sides, help him up and take him away."
At this moment, two more evil spirits arrived.
They reached Li Tai, took out a black cloth bag, put it over Li Tai's head, and carried him away.
"I don't want to die yet! Where are you taking me?"
"Of course, I'll take you to the underworld."
Li Tai was in a daze, not knowing how long or how far he had walked, when he followed them to a place.
He felt a chill running through him, and his whole body felt cold.
Every now and then, you could hear the eerie laughter of various vengeful ghosts.
He wondered, "Does this mean I'm already dead?"
If that were the case, he would feel he was losing out, since he hadn't even gotten married yet.