Li Shimin's words were partly a test, and partly a reflection of his own feelings.

He had long known that Li Jing and the others favored Li Jue, but he didn't know the extent of their alliance. If it was like the Xuanwu Gate Incident he had witnessed years ago, then he, the emperor, would have to sleep with one eye open.

As for whether it was just a spontaneous expression of feeling...

The main issue is the recent series of events. First, officials in the court submitted memorials impeaching Li Jue, some even risking their lives to remonstrate. Then there's the current situation, where it's obvious someone is targeting Li Jue.

This annoyed him so much that he thought he might as well just make Li Jue the crown prince, so that those people wouldn't have anything to do with him!

However, to Li Shimin's surprise, Li Jing simply laughed twice after hearing his words.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin immediately became displeased and reprimanded him with a stern face.

"Are my words laughable?"

"No!"

"Since my words are not laughable, then you think Li Jue is unworthy to be the crown prince?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jing smiled and shook his head.

"No..."

Li Shimin was somewhat annoyed upon seeing this.

"Then why are you laughing?"

Li Jing continued to laugh even after hearing this.

"Your Majesty, I was just laughing at you for getting the generational order wrong, hahaha!"

"Even if Your Majesty wants to make your eldest grandson the crown prince, he should be made the imperial grandson, not the crown prince."

Li Shimin was surprised to hear this, and then he burst into laughter.

"It is indeed my fault!"

"I've been too busy lately and haven't been sleeping well. This grandson is driving me crazy, hahaha!"

"But speaking of which, what do you think of me making Li Jue the crown prince now?"

This time, Li Jing did not laugh, but solemnly shook his head.

"not good!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin asked with concern.

Why is it not good?

Li Jing took two steps back, straightened his clothes, and then solemnly presented his memorial.

"Your Majesty, our eldest grandson is still young, and there are too many uncertainties about his future. It would be best to wait until he is a few years older and married before making any decisions!"

Li Shimin was very satisfied with this answer, because that was exactly what he thought.

Although Li Jue is perfectly suited to inherit the throne in every way, his age is a major concern. What if he falls seriously ill or suffers some unforeseen event in the future? Wouldn't he then have to choose Li Zhi as his successor?

Rather than doing that, it's better to drag it out for now and wait until Li Jue gets married in a few years.

"Um!"

"That's what I think too, but some people don't want to see this child grow up!"

Li Jing nodded upon hearing this; he had already noticed this trend.

Although he was unsure who had plotted against Li Jue, he could clearly sense that the opponent's pace had quickened, and they were even launching new moves before finishing one.

Therefore, he was also struggling with how to resolve this matter for Li Jue.

"Your Majesty, how about sending Li Jue on an outside post?"

"An outside post?"

"Yes!"

"In this way, we can avoid the troubles in the capital, give the eldest grandson more experience, and send the wrong signal to some people that His Majesty has already grown tired of the eldest grandson and will not depose him..."

"I see..."

Li Shimin was very tempted by these words, but the thought of leaving his chubby grandson outside filled him with reluctance.

"this……"

Li Jing could see Li Shimin's reluctance, and seeing this, he quickly used the story of Chulong persuading the Empress Dowager Zhao to persuade him.

"Your Majesty, parents who love their children plan far ahead for them..."

"Didn't Your Majesty also overcome numerous obstacles to achieve the prosperous Tang Dynasty we have today?"

"The eldest grandson should have more experience. Only in this way can he understand the hardships his ancestors faced in establishing the dynasty and cherish the Tang Dynasty in the future!"

Li Shimin was a very receptive person; as long as what you said made sense, he would listen to you even if he disliked it.

"Lord Wei, there's no need to persuade me any further. I agree!"

"But where should I send him?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jing lowered his head and thought for a moment. If it was too far, His Majesty would definitely be reluctant to send him away; if it was too close, it would lose the meaning of being sent to a post outside the capital.

Therefore, after much deliberation, Li Jing offered a compromise.

"Your Majesty may first send your eldest grandson to oversee the construction of the imperial mausoleum, and then order him to inspect the military affairs of the northern prefectures, to investigate the trade of salt and iron between the north and south, and to guard against military matters in the north, etc."

"With all this turmoil, it won't be quiet for at least three to five years."

"In three to five years, when the eldest grandson reaches marriageable age, Your Majesty can naturally entrust the empire to him with peace of mind!"

Li Shimin was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately patted Li Jing on the shoulder heavily.

"Lord Wei, oh Lord Wei!"

"Everyone says you're not good at planning your own life, but I think you're quite good at it."

Li Jing smiled awkwardly upon hearing this.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am only acting in Your Majesty's best interest, and for the sake of the Tang Dynasty..."

Li Shimin laughed heartily upon hearing this.

"Same!"

"Once my grandson has gained experience, I will have nothing to worry about!"

"Do as you say. I'll find a pretext in the next few days to give that rebellious grandson a good beating, and then throw him far away into the imperial mausoleum..."

"What charge could this be?"

Li Shimin was immediately in a dilemma. It wasn't that Li Jue had been too obedient lately, but rather that Li Jue hadn't come to the palace to pay his respects for some time, making it difficult for him to find an opportunity to punish Li Jue.

Since there was no opportunity, Li Shimin decided to create one himself.

That very day, he summoned Li Jue to the palace under the pretext of feeling unwell. Then, on the grounds of stepping forward with his left foot first, he accused Li Jue of a grave offense of disrespect and had him severely beaten with eighty strokes of the cane!

After Li Jue had received eighty strokes of the cane, he felt as if his buttocks had been separated from his body.

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