The first emperor of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 171 Li Chengqian's Suggestion
"My Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince and all the little princes have entered Mingde Gate." Wang De said to Li Shimin when he came to Ganlu Palace.

"The prince didn't cause any trouble in Jingzhou this time, did he?" Li Shimin put down the Langhao Royal Brush in his hand, and asked Wang De.

"It is said that His Highness the Crown Prince also brought a prison cart with a wooden cage. The prisoner in the cart seems to be Jingzhou Inspector Helan Yingde." Wang De said to Li Shimin.

"What, he actually escorted Helan Yingde, governor of Jingzhou, to Chang'an City?" Li Shimin said in shock.

……

"I send my respects to my father. I don't know if my father is still in good health after I haven't seen you for a few months?" Li Chengqian walked into the Ganlu Hall and said to Li Shimin.

"Fortunately, you have only been to three places in the past few months. If you had gone to a few more places, I would probably be mad at you." Li Shimin said.

"Where did the father say, the sons and daughters have been helping the father to solve problems all the way. Even if there is no credit, there is hard work. Why did the father get angry instead?" Li Chengqian pretended to be puzzled. Li Shimin asked.

"You know what you did yourself, so don't pretend to be in front of me. Tell me, how did the governor of Jingzhou offend you this time?" Li Shimin asked Li Chengqian.

"Father, my son is about to report this matter to you. I just don't know if my father is willing to listen to my son." Li Chengqian said to Li Shimin.

Hearing what Li Chengqian said, Li Shimin knew that there must be something hidden in it.So he nodded his head and said: "I also need to know about the big things, so you can explain it in detail and listen to it."

After hearing this, Li Chengqian began to tell Li Shimin what happened after he arrived in Jingzhou.Of course, he ignored the fact that Wu Meiniang had the appearance of an emperor.

After listening to Li Chengqian's narration, Yi Shimin couldn't help standing up and asking: "Is what you said true? Li Tai instigated all of this?"

"Father, here are four younger brothers who exchanged letters with Helan Yingde. Father Feng will naturally know if what your son said is true after reading it." After Li Chengqian finished speaking, you handed the letter to Li Shimin.

After Li Shimin took the letters, he opened them one by one to read.Li Shimin's expression became more gloomy as the number of letters he read increased.

After watching it, Li Shimin said angrily: "Nizi, Nizi, I didn't expect him to do such a thing of forming a party for personal gain and harming the court officials."

"Father, all that the fourth brother has done is ultimately for the crown prince of the Eastern Palace. So I think there are two ways to handle this matter." Li Chengqian said to Li Shimin.

"Then tell me what you think should be done about this matter?" Li Shimin nodded and said to Li Chengqian.

"The first one is to hear the case publicly in the Tai Chi Hall. If the fourth brother can prove his innocence, then everyone will be happy. On the contrary, the father will be punished according to the law."

"However, I know that because of my father's love for my fourth brother, I am afraid that my father does not want to do this. So I have a second suggestion."

"That is to ask my son to kill Helan Yingde, the governor of Jingzhou. At that time, the father can use this matter to abolish his son's position as the crown prince, and then let the fourth brother enter the East Palace." Li Chengqian said to Li Shimin with his head down. .

Hearing Li Chengqian's words, Li Shimin's heart couldn't help shaking.He naturally understood the meaning of Li Chengqian's words, that is, if he wanted to protect Li Tai, then Li Chengqian, the crown prince, would quit.

But Li Shimin was the one who could snatch the throne from his elder brother, so how could he be stumped by Li Chengqian.

So he opened his mouth and asked Li Chengqian: "Then I don't know what crime you think your fourth brother Li Tai should be punished according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty?"

Li Chengqian did not expect that his father kicked the ball back.I can't help but secretly say in my heart, ginger is still old and spicy.

But since Li Shimin asked, Li Chengqian naturally had to give an answer.So he thought for a while and said: "According to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, I am afraid that even if the fourth brother does not die, he will be demoted to a commoner."

Hearing what Li Chengqian said, Li Shimin's face became very ugly.Although the two brothers did not meet each other, Li Chengqian already had the idea of ​​killing Li Tai.

But before Li Shimin could speak, Li Chengqian continued to speak: "But the fourth brother is a sibling with Erchen after all, so Erchen can't put fourth brother to death no matter what."

"That's why my son thinks that the father should be merciful outside the law. But in order to stop the mouths of the Chinese and Chinese military officials, the father can think of another way to punish him."

The following words from Li Chengqian made Li Shimin feel a lot better.He ascended to the throne by fighting brothers.So he absolutely does not want his son to repeat the Xuanwumen Incident.

So he nodded in satisfaction, and then said to Li Chengqian: "Then I don't know how you think he should be punished, and how can you shut up all civil and military officials?"

"Then the emperor and the son will sing a double reed. Tomorrow in the Tai Chi Hall, the father will directly demote the fourth brother to be a commoner. At that time, the son will come forward to intercede."

"The son will propose to the father that the fourth younger brother should be punished under the son. Then the father can go down the slope and reluctantly agree to this matter."

"But father, you can rest assured. First of all, this minister will absolutely do what he says. Secondly, when the fourth brother arrives at my minister's place, this minister will not make things difficult for him. Instead, he will teach him how to behave." Li Chengqian said.

"Then how do you think Helan Yingde should be punished? You can't give your son a light sentence, but give Helan Yingde a heavy sentence, right?" Li Shimin nodded and asked Li Chengqian.

"Father, you don't need to worry about this matter. He wants to put Cheng Chuhuan to death, do you think Cheng Yaojin can make him feel better?" Li Chengqian said to Li Shimin with a smile.

After hearing this, Li Shimin couldn't help but said to himself: "This kid is meticulous in his work, it seems that those who offend him will really end well."

However, Li Shimin pretended to be very shocked on the surface, nodded and said to Li Chengqian: "This matter is settled. You should also go to Lizheng Hall to see your mother. During this time, she is very concerned about the You."

After Li Chengqian said goodbye, he bid farewell to Li Shimin.Then he turned around and left the Ganlu Hall, heading towards the Lizheng Hall, the bedroom of Empress Changsun.

Seeing the back of Li Chengqian leaving, Li Shimin sighed and said: "Li Tai, Li Tai, you left the blisters on your feet. You can only blame yourself for being ambitious."

……

"His Royal Highness the King of Yue is not well. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has returned from Jingzhou City. He also brought Helan Yingde back together in a wooden prison cart." Censor Wang Wu said anxiously to Li Tai.

"What did you say, you said that Helan Yingde was taken to Chang'an City by the crown prince? Do you know the specific situation?" Li Tai also asked with a worried expression.

(End of this chapter)