Tang Dynasty

After entering the palace for an hour, Wei Zheng walked out of the palace gate with difficulty with the support of the palace servants.

Standing still in front of the steps, even though his legs and feet were still tingling, Wei Zheng raised his head and looked at the flowing clouds in the sky, but let out a breath of relief.

Life hangs by a thread, after all, there is no danger.

If he could really help Li Jiancheng clear his name, his own suffering would not be in vain.

After standing there for an unknown amount of time, he finally withdrew his gaze and staggered down the steps.

----

Three days later, Li Yuan drove back to Chang'an and imprisoned Li Jiancheng in the residence of the East Palace, but he never said a word about the conspiracy.Although Li Shimin was puzzled, he knew that since Li Yuan's hint that day, he was no longer an outsider, so he should not be anxious about this matter.

So he suppressed his temper and waited seemingly indifferently.Until half a month later, Li Yuan summoned him to Tai Chi Palace with a decree.

When Li Shimin entered the side hall, he immediately saw Li Yuan sitting behind the imperial case.But to his surprise, it was Li Jiancheng sitting upright on one side of the hall.

I don't know if it's his hallucination, but the half-moon grounding made him look a little weak.Although he was wearing formal attire, the bright color of the clothes made his complexion even paler.

Feeling something vaguely, Li Shimin paused for a while, but also walked into the hall.Facing Li Yuan, Li Jiancheng gave a farewell salute, and finally turned to Li Yuan and said, "I don't know why the father summoned his sons and ministers here?"

Li Yuan's expression was strangely solemn, and he didn't answer for a while.Li Shimin's heart tightened slightly, but he just lowered his head and waited quietly.

After staying like this for nearly a quarter of a stick of incense, Li Yuan finally opened his mouth, but said: "Shimin, may my father ask you a few questions?"

Li Shimin was slightly taken aback, but quickly replied: "Father, please ask."

Li Yuan looked at him fixedly, and said: "Shimin, in your opinion, does Jiancheng have the intention of treason?"

Hearing this, Li Shimin instinctively raised his head and looked at Li Jiancheng who was beside him. Although the other party was also looking at him, his expression was so indifferent as if it had nothing to do with him.

Maybe it's not that it's nothing to do with yourself, but that you have a well-thought-out plan.

Li Shimin almost guessed the possible reason in his heart.However, his face was still calm, he just looked away very quickly, and said to Li Yuan: "My son's foolish opinion is not sufficient, what is the truth, I have to wait for my father to see clearly."

Li Yuan chuckled lightly, picked up a stack of papers on the imperial case and unfolded them, and said, "Since that's the case, Shimin and your eldest brother will listen to the results of my thorough investigation?"

"I would like to hear more about it." Li Shimin nodded slowly, then stepped back and sat down beside Li Jiancheng.Looking sideways, the other party's body was slightly sideways towards the hall, leaving only a distant and indifferent back view of him.

"Conspiracy is a matter of the state, if it is big, it is a family matter. You two are my flesh and blood, let's deal with it as a family matter first." Li Yuan looked at the two of them, but he found out the cause and effect of the matter himself, Come slowly.

He never mentioned the situation of summoning Wei Zheng. He said that the other party only asked a few questions that day, which made him suddenly understand the matter, and began to question the cause and effect of the whole matter.

That day Wei Zheng stood in front of him, cupped his hands and said, "I came here this time, although I pretended to be the prince to intercede, but I was really bold. I just wanted to ask Your Majesty three questions. If Your Majesty can answer, I am willing to die."

Li Yuan raised his eyebrows and said, "I don't know what questions Master Wei has?"

Wei Zhengdao: "Firstly, Your Highness sent people to deliver military equipment to Yang Wengan in Qingzhou without going through the Ministry of War. Although this is illegal, there is nothing more serious than this. The person who transported military equipment has served the crown prince for many years and is disrespectful. Shangling, but came to the Palace of Renzhi to accuse the prince of treason. The person who should be the prince's confidant is so betrayed and framed. The reason for this, I think about it, I don't know."

Li Yuan was a little silent when he heard the words, and said, "Go ahead."

"Yes." Wei Zheng continued, "Secondly, when His Majesty heard the news and hurriedly recalled the prince back to Renzhi Palace, he did not conceal the reason. Therefore, according to the minister's opinion, the prince's coming here is really unpredictable. However, the prince resisted all opinions. , but still came here alone, and ended up being imprisoned. I think, if the prince really has the intention of treason, and the matter is exposed before it is done, why doesn't the prince take advantage of the situation and rise up, but instead throw himself into the net like this?"

Li Yuan still didn't speak, but his eyes became a little deeper.

"Thirdly," Wei Zheng said after a short pause, "Your Majesty sent Mr. Sinongqing Yuwen to tell Yang Wenqian to confront him, but Yang Wenqian raised his troops, and the rebellion was confirmed. The crown prince seems irrefutable. But If the crown prince really has the intention of treason, then Yang Wenqian, who heard that the crown prince has fallen to His Majesty, why didn't he follow the plan and find a better opportunity, but instead rushed into trouble and put the crown prince to death?"

After his words, he seemed to ask a question, but in fact he sorted out all the causes and consequences of the matter, and took the opportunity to raise questions.After the words fell, Li Yuan's heart was already clear.

First, why did the person transporting the armaments report on the prince for treason?Is there evidence?

Second, why did Yang Wengan suddenly revolt?How did Yu Wenying meet him?

Third, is there someone deliberately framing the prince?If the prince is deposed, who will benefit the most?

After thinking about it, his heart was as clear as a mirror.Looking up at Wei Zheng in front of him, Li Yuan smiled lightly and said, "What a Wei Zheng, you seem to be here. Although you didn't say it clearly, there is not a word in your words that is not an excuse for the crown prince."

"The minister is a member of the Eastern Palace," Wei Zheng cupped his hands, and said unhurriedly, "he must be loyal to His Majesty first, and the Crown Prince later."

"Based on what you did today, I'm afraid it's just for the prince." Li Yuan laughed and pointed him out.

"I dare not."

"It's just that if the prince has no rebellious intentions, if you are the prince, you are doing it for me, and even for the Tang Dynasty. There is no difference." Li Yuan's expression softened a little, and he said, "It's just that there are loyal ministers around the prince. I'm also very pleased. I already know what happened today, so you can just step back."

As soon as this remark came out, Wei Zheng was in charge.Standing on the spot and bowing deeply, he slowly left the palace gate with the support of the palace servants just now.

After finishing his sentence, Li Yuan raised his eyes to look at Li Shimin and said, "Du Yan has been very active in Beijing recently, and all the things he investigated are related to the prince, and he has a close relationship with the two who sent the arms. "Fang Xuanling is a resourceful and resourceful person, and he is the secretary of the Prince Qin's Palace; Yu Wenying, under your strong recommendation a few years ago, I kept this person... I don't know these names, how should I explain it?"

Li Shimin knew in his heart that since Li Yuan had spoken to such an extent, he must be [-]% sure in his heart.So far, any sophistry has no meaning.

So he stood up and knelt down slowly in front of Li Yuan without saying a word.

Li Yuan gently threw the memorial in his hand on the case, rested his forehead on his hands, and sighed: "Shimin, I know that you have made great achievements and are not willing to be left behind, but you are already a prominent general in the imperial court. , I think that I have given you enough, but you are so unrestrained, and instead intend to take the crown prince and replace it, this move... really disappointed me!"

"Father...my son is guilty." Li Shimin knew in his heart that Li Yuan was talking about "family affairs" instead of "state affairs" this time, and he didn't want to judge himself by the laws of the country. I am extremely regretful.

Seeing this, Li Yuan let out another long sigh. This was his favorite son, but now he did something that disappointed him the most.No matter whether he is a father or an emperor, Piansheng cannot do without this person.

There was both anger and helplessness in his heart, so he could only sigh.

At this time, Li Jiancheng, who had never said anything, stepped forward, cupped his hands and said, "Father, please calm down, my son thought that the people of the world were just confused for a while, and after this incident, you will definitely repent."

"I will make a decision on this matter." Li Yuan stood up and still sighed, "It's just that 'we are from the same root, so why rush each other', the two of you are siblings, but it really chills me to have such a fight .Tomorrow night, the three of your brothers will come to the palace to have a meal together, so let me save my worries by speaking up."

After finishing speaking, he walked down the hall, passed by Li Shimin, paused again, and said: "I remember the promise I made to you, but the premise is that 'the completion of the project really has the intention of treason', you must not forget this point."

The implication is that everything is empty.

After Li Yuan left, Li Jiancheng also turned around and walked towards the door without saying a word, but before he took a few steps, he heard Li Shimin calling "Brother" behind him.

Li Jiancheng paused, but didn't turn his head. He just stood there and waited for the other party to speak.

Li Shimin turned around and took a few steps, but finally stopped at some distance away.After a pause, he said, "Brother, you already expected this to happen, didn't you?"

Li Jiancheng just laughed when he heard the words.Going to the danger alone, he didn't even expect the worst outcome; the East Palace guards, he has already prepared for the worst.It's just that he never thought that Wei Zheng would go to the Palace of Renzhi by himself, and even more so that he could make Li Yuan wake up with his own power.

Thinking about it now, Wei Zheng's move was really correct.At that time, if he really sent troops to besiege Renzhi Palace, he might not be able to predict the outcome, but it is not as good as he just opened his mouth and reached tens of thousands of horses.

Thinking of this, he turned to look at Li Shimin, and said, "I just expected that you won't win this round."

After that, he turned and left without any hesitation in his footsteps.

Li Shimin stood where he was, and slowly clenched his fists.After a long time, there was a wry smile.

——Brother, after all... I still can't beat you?

----

In the early morning of the next day, Li Yuan issued a decree to release Cao Canjun, Du Yan, and Yun Wanggui from the Crown Prince's Mansion to Yu Prefecture.Others looked like it was a deal of [-] blows each, but Li Shimin knew that the blows were really painless, which showed that Li Yuan was unwilling to make a big move.

However, in the afternoon, a new decree came out again. This time, Wei Ting, the Prince's Mansion's sacrificial wine, and Fang Xuanling, the secretary of the Qin Dynasty's Mansion, were also exiled.

Still playing [-] boards each, but for the two of them, the meaning is quite different.Although Wei Ting is Li Jiancheng's confidant, he is only a general in the end, he can be transferred at any time without any hindrance when he is away in battle.However, since the sudden death of Du Ruhui, Fang Xuanling has been an indispensable adviser to him.

As a result, he was temporarily at a disadvantage in this court.The biased nature of Li Yuan's handling this time has also become clear.

——Brother, for you, is such a reversal intentional or unintentional?

Li Shimin straightened his formal attire in front of the bronze mirror, chuckled lightly, and left the mansion.

At the same time, Li Yuanji was ready and came to the Prince's Mansion.

However, Li Jiancheng was not in the mansion, only Wei Zheng was sitting in the courtyard alone, flipping through the scrolls in a leisurely manner.Seeing Li Yuanji, he put down the scroll, supported the side of the stone table, and stood up with some difficulty.

"Mr. Wei, you don't need to be too polite," Li Yuanji hurriedly stepped forward and said, "This time the eldest brother has been able to clear his grievances, and Mr. Quan Yi seems to be admonishing him."

"It's a matter of my duty, so I should spare no effort." Wei Zheng smiled and sat down again.

Li Yuanji sat down beside him and said: "I will go to the palace to have dinner tonight at the order of my father, I don't know where my elder brother is at this time?"

"The prince has been confined for many days, and he has accumulated a lot of government affairs. He has been very busy these few days." Wei Zheng looked up at the sky and said, "It's still early at this time, Your Highness, why don't you stay here for a while, the prince should return home return."

"Forget it." Li Yuanji sighed, picked up the teapot beside the stone table, and poured himself a cup of tea.

Sitting opposite him, Wei Zheng watched his movements intently. After a moment of silence, he suddenly let out a very long sigh.

The teacup in Li Yuanji's hand paused, looked at him and asked in confusion, "Why are you sighing, sir?"

Wei Zheng shook his head, and said with a sad face: "I will not hide it from Your Highness, it is naturally for the prince's affairs."

"Brother...what's the matter?" Li Yuanji frowned, and put down the teacup in his hand.

Wei Zheng sighed: "This time, Your Highness was framed innocently, and almost got the name of treason. Although there was no danger after that, and he was cleared of his guilt, every time he thinks that His Highness is in a dragon's pond and a tiger's lair, he is always suspected of being plotted by others." , the minister will find it hard to be at peace."

He deliberately didn't mention that name, but Li Yuanji didn't have such a heart, and immediately lowered his voice when he heard the words: "Sir, what you mean is that the second brother will never let it go this time?"

Wei Zheng asked back: "According to His Highness, will the King of Qin stop here?"

"No..." Li Yuanji mused, "Second brother is very ambitious. It's not that I never warned elder brother, but I never thought that he would not hesitate to use such despicable means to frame elder brother in order to pull elder brother from the position of prince." !"

"The king of Qin has a city in his chest, but the crown prince is more benevolent and kind." Wei Zheng observed his expression and said, "I am really afraid. If I tolerate it again, I will only hurt myself in the end."

Li Yuanji was silent for a long time after hearing the words, and suddenly said: "If the eldest brother can't do this for a long time, Yuanji is willing to do it for him. It's just that Mr. Suwen is resourceful, but I don't know what good strategy is there?"

Finally waiting for these words, Wei Zheng looked at him calmly, but his face was still worried.After a moment of silence, he said: "Wei Zheng has a method, the most clean and neat, leaving no legacy, but it is also very risky, and... it must be tonight."